Suspect Arrested in Connection to Disappearance of Missing Houston Mother

A suspect has been arrested in connection to the disappearance and presumed death of 22-year-old Deundrea Ford, who went missing on September 22, 2023.

Ms. Ford was last seen leaving her job at Divas Bikini Bar N Grill in east Houston with an unknown male in a white Ford Transit van. Concerns arose when friends and family were unable to contact her, leading to her being reported missing on September 23. The Houston Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit and Homicide Division launched an investigation into the incident. Although the body of Ms. Deundrea Ford has not been located, she is presumed dead.

Investigation and Identification of Washington

Investigators identified Washington as a suspect in the case through credit card information used at the bar and grill on the night of Ford’s disappearance. Surveillance footage also showed Ford and Washington getting into the van. Washington was later located in Virginia after authorities issued an alert for the van.

A search warrant for the van revealed clothing with apparent blood stains, and DNA evidence confirmed a mixture of Ford’s and Washington’s DNA. During an interview, Washington admitted to meeting Ford at the club and spending time with her in his van before dropping her off. However, he was released pending further investigation.

Washington’s connection to the Dallas County Jail arises from DNA evidence linking him to a sexual assault and strangulation case in Dallas on July 23, 2023. The victim in that case survived and reported Washington’s actions.

How Washington ended up in the Dallas County Jail

Dallas Police charged him with sexual assault, leading to his arrest at his home in New Jersey. New Jersey authorities then extradited Washington to the Dallas County Jail where he now awaits extradition to Harris County, Texas. A Dallas County judge set his bond at $100,000, but he remained in jail because of a hold requested by the Houston Police Department.

Criminal History Revealed

Court documents reveal multiple reports of similar crimes in New Jersey, indicating Washington’s extensive history of violent offenses against women, particularly those involved in prostitution.

The suspect, Yoland J. Washington, now faces murder charges in the 337th State District Court in Harris County.