HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Katy man was arrested after he told deputies he stabbed his wife to death in west Harris County Friday morning, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
The man has been identified as 37-year-old Benjamin Pierce. He has been charged with murder. His wife has been identified as 39-year-old Leslie Ann Pierce. She was a teacher with Katy ISD, according to deputies.
Homicide investigators said the couple's 7-year-old boy was at home when the fatal stabbing took place, but he wasn't harmed. He was released to another family member. It's not clear if he saw what happened.
There was also a 56-year-old man, who is a family member, at the home when deputies arrived. He is being interviewed.
This happened just after 8:30 a.m. at a home in the 3200 block of Painted Meadow Circle near Fry Road. Deputies received a call of from a man who said he had stabbed his wife. Prior to calling 911, the husband had called a family member about the stabbing.
When deputies and EMS arrived at the scene, EMS pronounced the woman dead.
A motive for the killing as not been released, but investigators believe it stemmed from a domestic incident.
A knife believed to be used in the fatal stabbing was recovered at the scene, deputies said.
Neighbors in the Westfield subdivision were shocked and saddened.
"I never would've thought that'd be something he would do – I mean, it's awful," Cody Cox said.
"Nothing like this has ever happened – we've been here for 25 years already," Marisela Guzman told us.
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24-hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Or text LOVEIS to 22522.