Houston Police Department

May 10, 2006 -- A suspect has been arrested and charged in the February 2000 fatal shooting of a woman found in a heavily wooded area near the Addicks Dam at 1500 N. Eldridge Parkway.

The suspect, Steven Michael Sherrill (w/m, DOB: 10-19-60), is arrested and charged with capital murder in the 263rd State District Court.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants J. H. Binford and E. S. Mehl reported:

On February 5, 2000, a group of fishermen found the body of Christine Van Osdall, 33, of 5910 Central Falls in a heavily wooded area near the Addicks Dam. The fishermen marked their trail leading out of the woods to help police locate her body. Officers searched the woods late into the night without success. The search resumed at dawn and her body was found about 7 a.m. She had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators learned Ms. Osdall went to the suspect's house the day before to end their relationship. The two had met through a video dating service in December 1999. On Feb. 5, 2000 Ms. Osdall was reported as a missing person to Harris County authorities. Investigators interviewed Sherrill on Feb. 6, 2000 and collected evidence from his residence that would later prove consistent with evidence recovered in the woods. Investigators also collected DNA from Sherrill that matched DNA collected from the murder site. Sherrill fled Houston leaving his job, apartment and possessions.

HPD investigators tracked Sherrill to Baytown and, with the assistance of the Baytown Police Department, arrested him on May 8, 2006, in the 1500 block of North Alexander, without incident.

Updated: MES/JFC 5-10-06
FMP 2-7-00
015475500

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.