POLICE Department

2nd UPDATE: Second Suspect Charged, Wanted in Fatal Shooting at 8404 Safeguard Street

January 20, 2023 - Charges have been filed against a second suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a man at 8404 Safeguard Street about 12:15 a.m. on December 10, 2022.

The suspect, Derrick Wayne Castille, 25, is charged with capital murder in the 180th State District Court.  He is not in custody.  A 2020 booking photo of Castille is attached to this news release. 

A second suspect, Carl Michael McCloud, Jr., 21, is in custody.  He was charged with capital murder in the 177th State District Court. A booking photo of McCloud is also attached to this news release.

One other unknown suspect, described only as a black male, is wanted for questioning in the shooting.

The deceased victim is identified as James Blanton, 34.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives K. Heaverlo and A. Dudley reported:

Mr. Blanton was in the driveway of his residence at the above address when he interrupted an apparent home invasion as two armed suspects in masks attempted to enter his home.  Blanton confronted and fought the suspects before he was shot.  The suspects fled the scene on foot and possibly got into a waiting vehicle in the area.

Further investigation identified McCloud as the driver of the vehicle.  He was taken into custody on December 14 and subsequently charged for his role in the incident.

Additional investigation identified Castille as a second suspect in this case.  He is currently wanted for his role in Blanton's death.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Derrick Castille or on the identity of the third suspect is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.


WANTED: Derrick Castille (2020)
WANTED: Derrick Castille   (2020)


Carl Michael McCloud, Jr.
Carl Michael McCloud, Jr.



2nd Update: JKS/JFC  1-18-23       
Update: SOA/JFC   12-16-22
JFC/VHS   12-12-22
Inc #166125622

For additional information, please contact the HPD Office of Community Affairs at 713-308-3200.