Houston, Texas – A 34-year-old Texas man is facing a murder charge after authorities say he stabbed his 71-year-old mother multiple times inside her home early Wednesday morning, later telling police the killing was “something I needed to do.”
Early-Morning Assault Call Leads to Deadly Discovery
According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday to an assault call at a residence in the 11000 block of Harristown Drive on Houston’s south side. When first responders arrived, they found Alta Green Veasley, 71, suffering from multiple stab wounds throughout her body.
Emergency medical personnel rushed Veasley to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, doctors pronounced her dead shortly after arrival.
Victim Identifies Her Son Before Dying
Court records indicate that Veasley suffered six stab wounds in total. Authorities say she was stabbed twice in the heart, twice in the face, once in the back of the head, and once in the right arm.
Before losing consciousness, Veasley reportedly made a dying declaration, identifying her attacker as her own son, Gerren Miles Crosson, who was still inside the home when police arrived.
Suspect Detained at Scene, Allegedly Confesses
Police detained Crosson, 34, at the scene without incident. Investigators say he admitted to stabbing his mother and allegedly told officers:
“I felt like it was something I needed to do.”
Authorities have not released further details regarding what led up to the stabbing or whether an argument or other confrontation preceded the attack. At this time, police have not publicly identified a motive.
Crosson was transported to the Harris County Jail, where he remains held on a $750,000 bond.
Prior Alleged Assault on the Same Victim
Court documents reveal that this was not the first time Crosson had been accused of harming his mother. In 2021, police say Crosson allegedly struck Veasley repeatedly in the face during a dispute over food.
He was charged at that time with injury to an elderly person, though records show the case was later dismissed. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the reason for the dismissal.
Additionally, Crosson has a prior criminal history, including a 2010 conviction for evading police, to which he pleaded guilty.
Ongoing Investigation and Court Proceedings
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing. Police have not confirmed whether mental health issues, substance use, or domestic conflict played a role in the incident.
Crosson is formally charged with murder, a first-degree felony under Texas law. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, where bond conditions and further proceedings are expected to be addressed.
Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence Concerns
The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by elderly individuals in domestic settings. According to national data, family members are among the most common perpetrators in cases of elder abuse, with incidents often escalating over time when early warning signs go unaddressed.
Experts say prior domestic disputes, even when charges are dismissed, can signal a need for intervention, support services, or protective measures to prevent future harm.
Community Impact
Neighbors in the south Houston area expressed shock following the incident, describing the neighborhood as generally quiet. Police presence remained visible at the scene for several hours as investigators processed evidence and interviewed potential witnesses.
Authorities encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence or caring for an elderly family member in distress to seek assistance through local support services or law enforcement before situations escalate.
What Happens Next
As the investigation continues, prosecutors will review evidence, witness statements, and prior records to determine how the case will proceed through the court system. If convicted, Crosson faces a potential sentence ranging from decades in prison to life incarceration under Texas law.
Anyone with additional information related to the incident is urged to contact Houston police.
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