Detectives investigate possible connection to Halloween murder, estranged wife from husband found dead in apartment months earlier

HOUSTON – Detectives are investigating two murder cases in the North West Harris County after one On Halloween night, a man was found shot to death and learned that his estranged wife had been murdered a few months earlier.

The connection between the two cases is unclear, but homicide investigators are investigating whether they are related.

It all started when officers were called to a home on Hawks Nest Drive near Ella Blvd. and TC Jester between 10pm and 11pm on Halloween night. Investigators said several people in the area heard the gunshots, but said a family member called and said her father had been shot.

When investigators arrived, they found the unidentified man’s body in his garage with several gunshot wounds. Neighbors also reported seeing a person wearing a Michael Myers type Halloween mask left the area, perhaps a “possible suspect,” but they left before officers arrived.

There were also two young children in the house, who were unharmed and were handed over to their grandmother. Further investigation revealed that the children’s mother is unknown the man’s estranged wife, who was murdered in August 2024. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified her as Carmen Pait.

Back on August 16, KPRC 2 reported how Pait was found after HCSO deputies were called for a welfare check. When they arrived, they found her window broken and her dead with several gunshot wounds inside the apartment.

Family and friends told investigators they last heard from Pait the night before and eventually came to check on her after she failed to show up for work or respond to calls or texts.

Detectives told KPRC 2 via email that they are still investigating a possible connection because the shooters in the cases in question have still not been found and they have no motive for either murder.