January 26, 2023 - Houston police are seeking to speak with a person of interest in addition to the charged male in the fatal shooting of a man at 8404 Safeguard Street about 12:15 a.m. on December 10, 2022.

Investigators would like to speak with Anthony Deshone Smith, 22.  Smith is not charged in this case and is only a person of interest.  A photo of Smith is attached to this news release.  

A suspect, Derrick Wayne Castille, 25, is charged with capital murder in the 180th State District Court.  He is not in custody and remains at large. A 2020 booking photo of Castille is attached to this news release. 

A third suspect, Carl Michael McCloud, Jr., 21, was arrested.  He was charged with capital murder in the 177th State District Court. A booking photo of McCloud is also attached to this news release.

The deceased victim is identified as James Blanton, 34.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives K. Heaverlo and A. Dudley reported:

Mr. Blanton was in the driveway of his residence at the above address when he interrupted an apparent home invasion as two armed suspects in masks attempted to enter his home.  Blanton confronted and fought the suspects before he was shot.  The suspects fled the scene on foot and possibly got into a waiting vehicle in the area.

Further investigation identified McCloud as the driver of the vehicle.  He was taken into custody on December 14 and subsequently charged for his role in the incident.

Additional investigation identified Castille as a second suspect in this case.  He is currently wanted for his role in Blanton's death.  

Police believe Smith may have additional information about case and would also like to speak to him.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Anthony Smith or Derrick Castille is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

  
PERSON OF INTEREST: Anthony Deshone Smith




WANTED: Derrick Castille   (2020)



ARRESTED: Carl Michael McCloud, Jr.



3rd Update: JKS/SOA    1-26-23
2nd Update: JKS/JFC  1-18-23       
Update: SOA/JFC   12-16-22
JFC/VHS   12-12-22
Inc #166125622