POLICE Department
HPD Cold Case Unit Identifies Suspect in 1988 Fatal Stabbing
April 21, 2016 - Investigators in the Houston Police Department Cold Case Unit have identified a suspect, who has been subsequently charged, in the fatal stabbing of a man that occurred at 3952 Alabama on April 13, 1998.
The suspect, Alex J. Beller, (b/m, 57) is charged with murder in the 230th State District Court. Beller is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Corrections on an unrelated charge. A photo of Beller is not available.
Beller is accused in the death of Carl Douglas Steele, 38, who died at the scene.
HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officer P. Vela reported:
Mr. Steele was found deceased inside his apartment at the above address, having sustained multiple stab wounds. At the time of his death, homicide gathered multiple pieces of evidence and spoke to several witnesses. One witness stated he saw Beller with Steele the night of his death. At tat time, Beller denied any involvement and officers were not able to obtain charges on him in the crime.
During a recent review of unsolved cases, the HPD Cold Case Unit took a second look at this case. Due to advances in forensic testing, DNA that was previously not able to be processed was now tested and Beller was identified as the suspect in this case.
On Tuesday (April 20), the Harris County District Attorney's Office accepted charges of murder on Beller.
JSK/VHS 4-21-16
Inc. #027872188
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
