Suspect Charged for Death of Woman Missing since 2024 After Remains Found Near Space Center Blvd

HOUSTON, Texas — More than a year after human remains were discovered in southeast Houston, authorities have charged a suspect in connection with the death of a young woman who had previously been reported missing.

According to the Houston Police Department, 39-year-old Justin Scarbrough has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence in the 337th Criminal District Court.

The victim has been identified as 22-year-old Angela Diaz.

The investigation began on March 20, 2025, when patrol officers responded to a field in the 16700 block of Space Center Boulevard after a passerby reported what appeared to be human remains.

Personnel from the Houston Forensic Science Center responded to the scene and confirmed the remains were human. DNA testing later identified the remains as Diaz.

Investigators determined that Diaz had been reported missing by family members on July 3, 2024. The case was initially handled by the HPD Missing Persons Unit before being transferred to the HPD Homicide Division.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Scarbrough had been with Diaz on the morning of July 2, 2024 near Broadway Street and the Gulf Freeway. Additional evidence later identified him as the suspect.

On March 10, 2026, detectives presented the case to prosecutors with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, who accepted charges against Scarbrough.

The case was investigated by HPD Homicide Division Detectives J. Caten, K. Amri, and N. Henderson. The investigation remains ongoing.