Suspect Identified, Charged in 1982 Murder Case

July 2, 2007 - Houston police homicide investigators have identified a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a man at 4550 Cosby #6 on December 9, 1982.

The suspect, Carl Sterling Ward (b/m, DOB 11-11-59), is charged with murder in the 228th State District Court. Ward is currently serving jail time at the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas for an unrelated murder charge.

The victim in the 1982 case, Nelson Guevera, 25, of 4550 Cosby #6, suffered a stab wound to the abdomen and died at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Officer K. Swatzel reported:

Mr. Guevera was found dead on the floor of his apartment by his roommate about 12:55 p.m. He was assaulted where he had been left sleeping. Officers arrived at the scene and began the investigation. The crime scene was processed and evidence was collected. Witnesses were located and stated they observed several males leaving the apartment. At the time, there were neither suspects nor leads in the case.

The case remained open, pending new information.

In 2006, trace evidence collected from the scene was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) where a match was located. The match profile was identified as that of Carl Sterling Ward. A murder charge was filed against Ward today (July 2, 2007).

VHS/JFC 7-2-07
Inc# 75543882

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