Katy Man Charged With Murder After Shooting 61-Year-Old Roommate During Argument

KATY, Texas – A 34-year-old Katy man has been charged with murder after investigators say an argument between roommates escalated into a fatal shooting Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7, 2026.

Devin J. Heard, 34, was arrested in connection with the death of Joseph Lemelle Jr., 61, at a residence in the 6400 block of Hayman Drive, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the home Wednesday afternoon and found emergency medical personnel performing lifesaving measures on Lemelle, who was unresponsive.

Lemelle was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives and crime scene investigators responded to the residence to determine what led to the shooting.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Lemelle and Heard, who shared the residence, had reportedly been involved in an argument before the shooting.

Investigators allege that Heard shot Lemelle during the confrontation.

Authorities have not disclosed what sparked the argument or provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Heard was taken into custody and charged with murder. He was subsequently booked into the Harris County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing.