In the community of Spring, a disturbing scene unraveled as 39-year-old Benjamin Frakes has been charged with capital murder in connection to the deaths of his father, Franklin Frakes, 72, and stepmother, Florentina Frakes, 56. According to Click2Houston, deputies allege that Benjamin forcibly entered his father’s residence and committed the fatal shootings. Neighbors, who sensed something was wrong, discovered the bodies last Friday, following an incident believed to have occurred the night before.
While the search continues for a missing family SUV, Harris County Sheriff’s Office reports suggest a violent struggle. Franklin Frakes reportedly managed to injure his son during the confrontation before succumbing to his injuries. The runaway suspect is thought to have fled in the black Mercedes SUV bearing Texas plates LPB-2783, which investigators say remains unaccounted for. The vehicle, connected to the crime, has become a key piece in the unfolding investigation.
ABC13, the solo media witness during Benjamin’s detention, shared that the suspect was apprehended last night at Doghouse Poker Club in Cypress. His past marred with a burglary conviction in 2006 and multiple drug-related arrests, Benjamin is no stranger to law enforcement. The accused, seen with his right leg in a cast and walking with difficulty, did not respond to questions from the press.
The double homicide has drawn attention in the neighborhood, leading to speculation about the motive and the sequence of events surrounding the deaths of Franklin and his Romanian-born wife, Florentina. Officials have not commented on whether there were signs of forced entry at the Fitzwater Drive residence. Now facing charges, Benjamin Frakes’ connection to the case remains under investigation as authorities work to establish the circumstances of the incident.
