April 6, 2012 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident at 1600 Bay Area Boulevard about 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday (April 3).

The death of a male at 6114 Claridge about 4:25 a.m. on Thursday will be referred to a Harris County grand jury.

The deceased male is identified as Sterling Shepherd, 44, of Houston.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant W. Meeler and Officer J. French reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a sexual assault in-progress call at a group home at the above location. Officers arrived and found Mr. Sterling deceased.

Further investigation determined Shepherd made sexual advances toward the female group home owner. The female's husband, 47, intervened and Shepherd assaulted him. A violent confrontation ensued and the husband was forced to subdue Shepherd in a choke hold. At some point during the confrontation, Shepherd became unresponsive and then died at the scene.

Shepherd's cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

VHS/JFC 4-6-12
Inc. #042495312