Man killed on Halloween in Harris Co. months after estranged wife found murdered, detectives look for possible links

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

The connection between the two cases is unclear, but homicide investigators are looking to see if they are related.

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

When investigators arrived, they found the body of the unidentified man in his garage with multiple gunshot wounds. Neighbors also reported seeing a person wearing a Michael Myers type Halloween mask leaving the area, maybe a “possible suspect” but they took off before officers arrived.

There were also two small children in the house, who were unharmed and released by their grandparents. Further investigation revealed that the children’s mother is unidentified the man’s estranged wife, who was killed 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 dead with multiple 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 didn’t show up for work or respond to calls or texts.

Detectives tell KPRC 2 via email that they are still looking for a possible connection because the shooters in those cases have not yet been found and do not have a motive for any of the murders.