Houston Police Department

May 5, 2005 -- Houston Police Homicide Investigators have solved a capital murder that many thought would long remain a mystery.

The victim, Ms. Elizabeth Gargano, 72, of 1215 Maxey Road, was stabbed to death on February 26, 1984 during an apparent burglary of her home. At the time of Ms. Gargano's murder, investigators worked feverously to determine who was responsible for this horrendous crime, however, no viable suspects were found. It wasn't until the summer of 2001 when the HPD Homicide Division received a tip that a current Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate might have information on the case. Sergeant Paul C. Motard and Officer C. "Abbey" Abbondanando went to work.

Investigators traveled to the prison and spoke with an inmate who implicated two suspects in murder, Gregory Helms, (w/m DOB: 8/9/62) and Kevin Lindsey, (w/m DOB: 7/15/62). Armed with this information, investigators tracked down Helms who still lived in the Houston Metropolitan area. After a lengthy interview, Helms confessed to his role in the murder and implicated Lindsey as his accomplice. Helms was subsequently charged with murder in late 2004 and pled guilty. He is currently awaiting sentencing.

Investigators tracked down suspect Kevin Lindsey in Collinsville, Illinois. On April 18, 2005, Sergeant Motard and Officer Abbondandolo traveled to Illinois to interview Mr. Lindsey who gave a partial statement of his involvement in the murder. He was subsequently arrested by the Collinsville, Illinois Police Department on April 29, 2005 and charged with the murder. Lindsey is currently awaiting extradition back to Texas.

NJM/MES 5/5/05
Inc#12041684

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.