Suspect Wanted in Fatal Stabbing at 7203 Bellerive

April 9, 2008 - A suspect wanted in the fatal stabbing of a man at 7203 Bellerive about 11 p.m. on Friday (April 4) surrendered without incident to homicide investigators late Tuesday (Apr. 8).

The suspect, Joseph Wayne Smith (b/m, DOB: 11-1-84), is charged with murder in the 248th State District Court. Smith is accused in the killing of Anthony D. Hawkins, 23, of Houston.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant P. Motard and Senior Police Officer C.P. Abbondandolo reported:

Mr. Hawkins and his wife shared an apartment with the suspect (Smith) and his wife since January 2008, after they agreed to share expenses. When Smith’s family was not paying their share, Hawkins and his wife decided to move to another apartment. Smith became upset after apartment management evicted he and his wife.

Smith learned Hawkins was at the Bellerive location and arrived and slashed tires on Hawkins’ vehicle. Smith then confronted Hawkins, stabbed him once in the torso and then fled the scene.

Late Monday afternoon, Smith turned himself in to investigators at HPD Headquarters. He was questioned and then transported to the Harris County Jail.

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