April 9, 2012 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the death of a woman found set afire at 16000 Westheimer Parkway on July 6, 2011.

The suspect, Pilar Pineda Rodriguez (H/F, DOB: 4/7/12), is charged with capital murder in the 339th State District Court. She is accused in the death of Norma Angelica Tapia, 42, of Houston, who suffered burns to her body and was pronounced dead at the scene. A photo of Rodriguez is attached to this news release.

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

Ms. Tapia was last seen getting into her vehicle in the parking lot of her employer at 19965 Katy Freeway about 10 p.m. on July 5, 2011. Family members began searching for Tapia the following morning when she did not return home from work. Her vehicle was found in her employer's parking lot.

Tapia's burned body was found by two individuals driving through George Bush Park at 16000 Westheimer Parkway about 1:10 am on July 6.

Further investigation led to the identity of Rodriguez as the suspect in this case and she was charged last Friday (April 6). Rodriguez was linked to the murder through her DNA, located at the crime scene, in addition to other evidence indicating her involvement.

2nd Update JFC/JKS 4-9-12
Update VHS/JFC 7-7-11
VHS/JFC 7-6-11
Inc. #087686611