July 9, 2021 - Charges have been upgraded against a suspect arrested in the death of a male juvenile at 15603 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) and was reported missing about noon on May 27.  

The suspect, Theresa Raye Balboa (w/f, 29), is charged with capital murder in the 174th State District Court.  She is accused in the death of Samuel Olson, 5.  A booking photo of Balboa, who was previously charged with tampering with evidence, is attached to this news release.  

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants K. Persad, A. Grimes, M. Brady, M. Casso and Detectives D Crowder and A. Vinogradov reported:  

On May 30, HPD homicide detectives were requested to assist HPD Missing Persons detectives in the kidnapping investigation of Samuel Olson  The kidnapping was initially reported by Samuel's father and his girlfriend, Balboa at the above address.  An investigation by homicide detectives determined the kidnapping of Samuel was fabricated by Balboa.  

On June 1, Jasper Police Department officers received a Crime Stoppers tip regarding the disappearance of Samuel Olson.  A short time later, Balboa was located by Jasper police officers  hiding in a motel room.  Officers also discovered a plastic container with Samuel's body inside.  At that time, Balboa was taken into custody and charged with tampering with evidence in the 180th State District Court.  On June 7, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences determined Samuel's cause of death, on or about May 12, to be a homicide due to blunt force trauma to the head.  

Further investigation led Homicide investigators and the Harris County District Attorney's Office to charge Balboa with capital murder on Wednesday (July 7).  She remains in custody in the Harris County Jail.  

The investigation is continuing.  





Theresa Raye Balboa




VHS/JKS  7-9-21
Inc. #070885221