May 26, 2011 - Houston police homicide investigators are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a person of interest sought for questioning in the death of a man at 600 East Tidwell #601 about 8 a.m. on May 8. 

The person of interest is described only as a black female, 35 to 45 years of age, 160 to 200 pounds, with possible tattoos on her chest.  Surveillance photos of the female are attached to this news release.

The victim, Willie Hightower, 66, of the above address, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Mr. Hightower's cause of death will be determined by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants J. Brooks and C. Cegielski reported:

One of Mr. Hightower's friends went to check on him at the elderly living facility at the above location after she had not heard from him.  She found him unresponsive on the floor and saw blood.  She called 911 and responding paramedics pronounced Hightower dead.  Homicide investigators were called to the scene, as there were signs of a struggle.

Further investigation developed information that an unidentified black female visited Hightower the night he was killed.  Homicide investigators are attempting to identify and locate the female for questioning in this case.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or on the identity of the person of interest is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Update: VHS/JFC  5-26-11
JFC/KJS  5-9-11
Inc #058568511