December 15, 2011 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal assault of a male at 4200 Barberry about 9:35 p.m. last Sunday (Dec. 11).

The suspect, Joseph Leonard Ellis (b/m, DOB: 10-13-79), is charged with deadly conduct in the 208th State District Court. He is accused in the death of Patrone Brooks, 37, of Houston, who suffered blunt force trauma and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A photo of suspect Ellis is not available for release at this time pending further investigation.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant M. Countryman and Officer R. Olive reported:

Houston police officers were called to Ben Taub General Hospital after Mr. Brooks died there and had trauma injuries.

A preiminary investigation led officers to 4200 Barberry where multiple bullet casings were found. At this time, it is unknown if the assault and shooting incidents are related.

Further investigation indentified Ellis as one suspect in this case and, on Wednesday (Dec. 14), he was taken into custody without incident. Other unidentified suspects remain at large.

Anyone with additional information about this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Update: VHS/JFC 12-15-11
KJS/JFC 12-12-11
Inc. #159672311