Houston Police Department

February 8, 2005 -- A suspect has been arrested and charged in the fatal stabbing of one woman and wounding of another at 16101 Imperial Valley about 1:30 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 7).

The suspect, Chrisdon Darnel Alexander (b/m, DOB 9-19-85), was taken into custody and has been charged with capital murder in the 351st State District Court.

The victims were identified as Clauthia O. Castrillon, 19, of 16101 Imperial Valley and Crystal Mason, 22, of 860 Dollywright. Clauthia suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Crystal also suffered multiple stab wounds and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in serious condition.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J.R. Swaim and Officer A.D. Brown reported:

Both women know Alexander. The women were in Clauthia's apartment when Alexander came over. He then left the apartment to go to the store and returned to the apartment with a second unknown black male. After entering the apartment, the unknown black male suspect pulled a gun and Alexander pulled a knife on the women. A robbery ensued with Crystal taken into a bedroom where she was taped up, stabbed multiple times and left for dead. Alexander then returned to the living room where he attacked Clauthia and stabbed her multiple times. While Alexander was attacking Clauthia, Crystal managed to loosen the tape, jump from a second story window and run for help. Before leaving the apartment, Alexander and the unknown male attempted to set the apartment on fire.

Crystal was able to provide investigators with the first name of the suspect. Through the investigation, Alexander was developed as a suspect and subsequently charged. He was then arrested about 11:15 p.m. while sitting in the back seat of a vehicle in the driveway of his home in the 6800 block of Landor.

JFC/MES 2-8-05
Inc #020222305

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