Homicide-suicide suspect Austin Collette was out on bond, had many violations whereas ready sentence for 2019 killing, information present

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A person who pleaded responsible to homicide in December and was out on bond fatally shot his girlfriend earlier than turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide, in line with Houston police.

A welfare test Thursday morning at 1810 Foremost Avenue escalated right into a SWAT state of affairs involving the Houston Police Division’s robotic canine. Upon coming into the condominium, Houston police found the our bodies of Austin Collette, 26, and his girlfriend, whose identify has not been launched.

Authorities imagine Collette fatally shot her earlier than he died by suicide.

Court docket information present that in December 2024, Collette entered a responsible plea for killing Thomas Simmons throughout a 2019 drug deal gone improper.

Regardless of the severity of the cost and a felony historical past courting again to age 12, Collette was allowed to stay free on bond whereas awaiting sentencing-an further 4 months of freedom.

“It is a big stressor occasion, being charged with felonies,” HPD Sgt. Mark Holbrook mentioned on the scene. “It will possibly result in murder, suicide, individuals not considering clearly, when going through a big stressor occasion like that.”

Collette had been beneath home arrest for over 4 years whereas awaiting trial, selecting up a number of bond violations and a separate felony drug cost alongside the best way. His most up-to-date violation occurred simply days in the past when authorities misplaced observe of him for 12 hours attributable to a reported GPS ankle monitor malfunction, allegedly brought on by “steel flakes” interfering and stopping the system from charging, court docket information present.

Regardless of this, no motion was taken by the court docket in response to the violation.

Collette’s sentencing listening to was scheduled for April 21. He was anticipated to obtain a jail time period; probation was not an possibility.

“It shouldn’t have taken almost this lengthy to arrange a PSI (Pretrial Sentencing Investigation),” KTRK Authorized Analyst Brian Wice mentioned. “It’s made up of the offense report, the defendant’s model of occasions, and letters of character, and that is it.”

Collette’s lawyer, Kent Schaffer, advised ABC13 that it isn’t uncommon for defendants to stay on bond till they’re sentenced. Nevertheless, Wice mentioned the court docket, on this case, Choose Hilary Unger, might have revoked Collette’s bond, and prosecutors might have filed a movement to detain him in jail after the plea. Neither step was taken, per on-line information.

“This defendant was not eligible for probation. This defendant was going to the penitentiary. This defendant wouldn’t be capable to enchantment no matter sentence was handed down. What might go improper?” Wice requested. “What went improper (Thursday) is that he killed one other human being.”

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