Houston Police Department

November 15, 2005 -- Houston police homicide investigators have identified a suspect in the 1998 murder of a woman found in the 6800 block of Helmers.

The suspect, Marco Garcia (Hm/ DOB 9-30-76), was identified through DNA evidence gathered from the crime scene and sent to the Texas DPS Crime Lab for analysis.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant B. Harris and Officer T. McCorvey reported:

In the early hours of June 20, 1998, the partially nude body of Brandi Brooks, 36, of 526 Comile Street was found by the railroad tracks of an industrial plant. Investigators were able to determine the victim, whose body was covered in bruises, had been sexually assaulted and had suffered blunt force trauma to the head. At the time of the murder, there were no leads in the investigation.

No hits or matches were received when the DNA evidence collected at the scene was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Due to the periodic re-submitting of DNA evidence through the CODIS system, a "hit" or match was found. The match belonged to already incarcerated Marco Garcia who is currently serving a 25-year sentence in the Texas Department of Corrections for an unrelated aggravated robbery/home invasion. As a TDC prisoner, Garcia had to submit a DNA sample, which was entered into the CODIS system and finally led to the hit. HPD investigators re-interviewed witnesses and the suspect, Marco Garcia, and he has been charged with murder in the 208th State District Court.

MES/JFC 11-15-05
Inc #077769098

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