May 31, 2011 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal stabbing of a man at 600 East Tidwell #601 about 10:30 p.m. on May 7.

The suspect, Wonder Arceneaux Sam (b/f, DOB: 2-16-63), is charged with murder in the 183rd State District Court.  She is accusd in the killing of Willie Hightower, 66, of the above address.  A photo of suspect Sam is attached to this news release.

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

About 8 a.m. on May 8, 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 Hightower 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 released surveillance photos of the female, attempting to identify and locate her for questioning in this case.

Acting on a Crime Stoppers tip, Sam was identified as the wanted female and she was arrested on unrelated warrants on Monday (May 30).  During questioning, Sam confessed to her role in Hightower's death.  She stated she met Hightower while she was visiting another resident at the elderly living facility on May 7.

2nd Update: JFC/VHS    5-31-11
Update: VHS/JFC  5-26-11
JFC/KJS   5-9-11
Inc #058568511