April 28, 2024 - Charges have been filed against a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a woman at 8100 Martin Luther King Boulevard about 9:50 p.m. on Saturday (April 27).

The suspect, Richard Taplin, 35, is charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful carry of a weapon with a felony conviction in the 208th State District Court. A 2023 booking photo of Taplin, who is not in custody, is attached to this news release.

He's accused in the death of Sarah Taplin, 24.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives K. Hale and B. Stephens reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call in a parking lot at the above address and found Ms. Taplin suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics pronounced her deceased at the scene.

Investigators learned that an argument took place between the victim and another unidentified female. The suspect, Richard, then took a firearm from someone nearby, pointed it at the unidentified female and fired at her as she fled. While Richard shot at the unidentified female, he was also shooting indiscriminately into a crowded gas station parking lot across the street.

During the shooting, Sarah, the suspect's sister, was struck at least once. The suspect then fled the scene. Richard remains at-large and considered to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Richard Taplin or in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.