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Houston Police Department
Suspect Arrested, Charged in 1984 Deaths of Woman and Infant at 4315 Rogers
August 25, 2010 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the deaths of a woman and a baby girl at 4315 Rogers on August 2, 1984.
Charles Leon Smith (b/m, DOB: 8-6-54) is charged with capital murder in the 263rd State District Court. He is accused in the deaths of Pamela Clarence, 23, and her daughter, Tashona, one month.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeant E. Cisneros and Senior Police Officer C. Park reported:
The original HPD investigators identified Smith as one of two possible suspects in the deaths of Ms. Clarence and baby Tashona, but were unable to obtain enough evidence to charge either person.
The HPD Cold Case Squad reviewed this case and again identified Smith as a possible suspect. On Monday (Aug. 23), Smith was taken into custody and confessed to his role in the killings.
Smith told investigators that on August 2, 1984, he visited his girlfriend, Pamela Clarence, and their one-month-old daughter, Tashona, at the above address. Ms. Clarence discovered Smith had another girlfriend who gave birth to Smith's baby boy one month after Tashona's birth. When Clarence told Smith they should end their relationship and go their separate ways, Smith became upset, strangled Clarence and then suffocated baby Tashona.
KJS/JFC 8-25-10
Inc. #046869384
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
