Melissa Rene Sowders, 26 - Missing December 26, 2013 - Body found in Cypress Creek - Matthew Sowders arrested - Harris County, TX

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/video?clipId=9691096&autostart=true
KRIV (FOX) - Houston, TX  --  1/2/14  

Video:  Search for missing pregnant woman comes to conclusion

From earlier today (noon news):

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/video?clipId=9690337&autoStart=true
KRIV (FOX) - Houston, TX   1/2/2014

Video (4:35) - Texas Equusearch founder says body found in creek that of missing woman

Per the Houston mainstream media, Matthew Sowders refused to "talk" to investigators and has been booked into Harris County Jail. Charged with Capital Murder.

The following is from the Harris County Jail - Houston, Harris County, TX:

LAST NAME SOWDERS
FIRST NAME MATTHEW
DOB  
SPN NUMBER 02081343
SSN  
~~~~~

CHARGES FOUND =1

INFORMATION ACCURATE AS OF 01/02/2014 - 22:33

NAME SOWDERS, MATTHEW O

SPN 02081343

DOB
09/15/1985

JAIL PROC/122 01A

BOOKING DATE  01/02/2014

UP DATE   OUT DATE  
~~~~~

CASE # 141313701010

BOOKING DATE 01/02/2014

CHARGE CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SIX YRS

COURT 338

COURT DATE 01/06/2014

BOND AMT 0.00

FINE BALANCE DUE  

Source:

https://apps.jims.hctx.net/sopublic/Inquiry.do;jsessionid=BDAC70668C16E9291938EB7041961E00
Harris County Jail - TX -- Inmate Inquiry -- Matthew O. Sowders

Per the above info from the Harris County Jail website, Matthew O. Sowders' case has been assigned to the Harris County 338th Criminal Court (State District Court).

Judge Brock Thomas is the presiding judge of aforementioned court.


 

Judge Brock Thomas
Harris County Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin, 15th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Source:

http://www.justex.net/Courts/Criminal/CriminalCourt.aspx?crt=46
Harris County District Courts - 338th Criminal Court -- Houston, Harris County TX

Ann said:

CHARGE CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SIX YRS

Ann, if he is charged with Capital Murder, what does under six yrs mean?

Case (Cause) Number      
141313701010- 3
Active - CRIMINAL(A)

Style
The State of Texas vs. SOWDERS, MATTHEW OKELL (SPN: 02081343) (DOB: 09/15/1985)

File Date
1/2/2014  

Court
338

Status
Defendant: JAIL(J)
Disposition:

Type Of Action / Offense
CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SIX YRS
(F)
________

Under ACTIVITIES:

Date  Type  Description  SNU/CFI

01/02/2014  COMPLAINT FILED  2128 338 CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SI LEVEL FC  
01/02/2014  BOND SET  $0  999  
01/02/2014  REVIEWED BY  SPENCE, CONSTANCE CHI *  
01/02/2014  ORI  SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OFFENSE NO: 13178265  
01/02/2014  COMPLAINANT  BROWN, JASON MATTHE  




Source:

http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/Edocs/Public/search.aspx
Harris County District Clerk - Public Search - Matthew O. Sowders
~~~~~~

To view this info at the site and more detailed info, you will have to register with the Harris County District Clerk's Office - Houston, Harris County, TX.

* Comment by Ann-Tx:  For your info, SPENCE, CONSTANCE CHI was the Lead Prosecutor that prosecuted the Jonathan Foster murder case.  He has a thread here at Reality Chatter. He was 12 years old and murdered by Mona Nelson.

sitemama wrote:Ann said:

CHARGE CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SIX YRS

Ann, if he is charged with Capital Murder, what does under six yrs mean?

sitemama, in the State of Texas, if one is charged with murder of a child under the age of six, it is Capital Murder (meaning eligible for Death Penalty or Life in Prison) - depends how the Harris County District Attorney's Office will charge the case and if they will ask for Death Penalty or Life in Prison without parole.

Melissa Sowders was pregnant with a 2 month (some media reported 2 1/2 months) child.  Therefore, child under age of six years.  If Matthew Sowders killed Melissa and if she was indeed pregnant then he will be (is) charged with the murder of Melissa and her unborn child.

Since Matthew Sowders has been charged with Capital Mudrer - Under Six Yrs, then I assume the Harris County Sheriff's Office had the Medical Examiner confirm Melissa Sowders pregnancy.  (preliminary autopsy - no autopsy reports/results have been released).  It is not uncommon in Harris County, TX for law enfocement to get prelim results which are not released to the public.

Estranged husband of missing pregnant woman charged with capital murder

Posted on January 2, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Updated today at 10:13 PM

KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX





HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The estranged husband of 26-year-old Melissa Sowders was arrested Thursday evening in Humble.

Matt Sowders, 28, is charged with capital murder of his pregnant wife who vanished the day after Christmas. He was transferred to Harris County Jail Thursday night.

Read more and view video (if video I posted does not appear within this comment):

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Body-found-in-Cypress-Creek-by-searchers-looking-for-missing-pregnant-woman-238457631.html

Estranged husband of missing woman arrested hours after body found near her home

Published On: Jan 02 2014 10:36:03 AM CST   Updated On: Jan 02 2014 10:42:58 PM CST

KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX





HARRIS COUNTY -  
Sources close to the investigation told Local 2 the estranged husband of missing pregnant mother, Melissa Sowders, has been arrested.

On Thursday morning, a Texas EquuSearch team recovered a body in Cypress Creek near the area where they were searching for Sowders.

Snipped:

Our cameras later caught Matthew Sowders being walked into the jail for booking. We asked him if he had anything to say, but he stayed quiet.

Read more:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/texas-equusearch-body-found-in-cypress-creek/-/1735978/23737798/-/9hjgb4/-/index.html

Missing mom's estranged husband charged after body found near search area

Updated at 10:51 PM today - 1/2/2014

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX

HOUSTON (KTRK) --  The estranged husband of a missing pregnant mother of four was taken into custody Thursday, just hours after a body believed to be hers was pulled from Cypress Creek. And now, he's charged with capital murder.

Snipped:

Matthew Sowders is being held without bond in the Harris County Jail. If he would be convicted of capital murder, he could face either the death penalty, or life in prison without parole.

Read more & view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9379149

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/gallery?section=news/local&id=9378623&photo=1&pid=9379149
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX  --  Current as of 1/2/2014

Photos from search for Melissa Sowders


1 of 21: These are photos from the arrest of Matthew Sowders Thursday afternoon. (Photo/ABC13)

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/spring/crime-courts/article/Estranged-husband-charged-in-woman-s-death-5108474.php?cmpid=hpbn
Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX   January 2, 2014 | Updated: January 2, 2014 11:38pm

Estranged husband charged in woman's death

Very informative article from KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX!   During Matthew Sowders probable cause hearing around 2 a.m. this morning, new details are being reported by the Houston media.

Per KPRC (NBC)  and KTRK (ABC), Matthew Sowders is being held without bond.

In an article from KTRK (ABC), M. Sowders went to a friend's home the evening of 12/26/13.  She said he was soaking wet and his truck was covered in mud.   She said he told her he strangled his wife after she pulled a gun on him.

Prosecutors said he also told that witness  he stuffed her into a large trash can and transported her to Cypress Creek, where he disposed of her body.  

KTRK does have their article/video posted.  At this time, KPRC does not have the update posted.
~~~~~~~

Man charged with murder in death of missing wife appears in court

Updated at 05:57 AM today - 1/3/2014

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX





HOUSTON (KTRK) --  We're learning more about how investigators say a man killed his estranged wife and disposed of her body in Cypress Creek.

Snipped:

Early this morning, Sowders was in probable cause court, where we learned more about the investigation as charges against him were read in court.

According to court documents, a witness told investigators she came to Matthew Sowders' apartment the day Melissa Sowders disappeared, and when he opened the door, the witness saw what appeared to be a woman's feet and lower legs lying on the floor of the apartment.

Snipped:

Another witness told investigators Matthew Sowders came to her home on the evening of December 26 and confessed to killing his estranged wife. She said he was soaking wet and his truck was covered in mud. She also said Sowders told her he had strangled his wife after she pulled a gun on him.

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9380206

141313701010 - The State of Texas vs. SOWDERS, MATTHEW OKELL (Court 338)

Snipped:

ACTIVITIES

Date             Type         Description

01/03/2014  MOTIONS  REQ APPT ATTY  999  
01/03/2014  MOTIONS  FILED CFI 338
~~~~~~~~

Matthew Sowders next court appearance is on 1/06/2014 at 09:00 AM CST in the  338th State District Court (Criminal).  



Source for above info:

http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/edocs/public/CaseDetails.aspx?Get=KkdyeCwESDwNNGcxTh/CMtEktAW8kKqBc5c1NiVu614Hue3zKVn2XbebrdWQA4DU7uJ+9PPByRWqq1WJSmaC/pCTRJXb2EYfSfbyA2x50Ac=
Harris County District Clerk - Houston, Harris County, TX  -- Matthew Okell Sowders

Thanks for all of the updates, Ann....I've been following along here in local media as well.
 
How in the heck did this guy ever get CUSTODY of the four children?
 
and wishing a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY REALITY CHATTER FRIENDS!

Estranged husband, charged in wife's murder, makes first court appearance

Posted on January 3, 2014 at 8:59 AM
Updated today at 9:26 AM

KHOU (CBS) Houston, TX





HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The estranged husband of 26-year-old Melissa Sowders appeared in probable cause court overnight.

Snipped:

In court, prosecutors said Sowders more than once confessed to murdering his wife and even detailed how he put her in a bag in Cypress Creek.

Read more, view video and photo gallery:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/matt-sowders-appears-in-court-following-arrest-for-wifes-murder-238591591.html

~~~~~~~


Credit: KHOU
Matt Sowders, 28, is charged with capital murder of his pregnant
wife who vanished the day after Christmas.

http://www.khou.com/news/local/matt-sowders-appears-in-court-following-arrest-for-wifes-murder-238591591.html?gallery=y&c=y
KHOU - Houston, TX -- Photo Gallery - Matthew Sowders

http://www.khou.com/video/raw/Raw-Suspect-in-wifes-murder-appears-in-Harris-County-court-238593001.html
KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX   1/3/2014

Video (6:00): Raw: Suspect in wife's murder appears in Harris County court  

Hey, Weezie! What a wonderful surprise! So nice to "see you."

I don't know how Matthew Sowders got temp custody of the children.

Perhaps he and Melissa agreed to it or if it went in front of a judge, maybe evidence indicated he was a more stable parent and could provide for 4 children. We do not know anything about Melissa's background.

Just my opinion.

There is nothing that would warrant murdering Melissa and her unborn child. This guy needs to get the death penalty.

Thoughts and prayers to the four children and the family of Melissa Sowders.       

From the Harris County District Attorney's Office who will be prosecuting the case against Matthew O. Sowders:


Defendant Name: SOWDERS, MATTHEW O

Charge: CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SIX YRS

Cause Number: 141313701010

Charge Type: FELONY

Court Date
01/06/2014

Court
338

Reason
PRELIMINARY ASSIGNED COURT APPEARANCE

Result
Unknown


Source:

http://app.dao.hctx.net/HelpingVictims/Search.aspx?id=02081343&cause=141313701010&name=SOWDERS, MATTHEW O
Harris County District Attorney's Office - Houston, Harris County, TX;  Sowders, Matthew O.

This may be old info for those following the case.
It is from 12/28/2013.

Melissa Sowders: Missing from Houston Found

http://www.missingpersonsofamerica.com/2013/12/melissa-sowders-missing-from-houston.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MissingPersonsOfAmerica+%28Missing+Persons+of+America%29

Man confessed to strangling ex-wife, dumping body



by Andrew Horansky / KHOU 11 News
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 12:45 PM
Updated today at 1:16 PM

HOUSTON -- There are disturbing new details in the death of a pregnant mother. On Friday morning her estranged husband, Matt Sowders, appeared in probable cause court where a judge found reason to charge him with capital murder.

~Snipped~

In court early Friday morning, prosecutors said two women heard separate confessions on the day of Melissa Sowders’ disappearance a week ago.

One said she even saw what she believed to be a lifeless body from the doorway of the Sowders’ apartment when she went to visit.

“When she looked past [Matt] towards the hallway she observed what she believed to be the feet and lower legs of a female lying on the floor of the apartment,” the prosecuting attorney said.

That witness then called Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies and next called Matt Sowders with a deputy on the line. Prosecutors said Sowders admitted on the phone to killing his wife.

The other witness said she received a visit.

“She said that the defendant told her he had strangled Melissa to death after she pulled a gun on him. He told her he blacked out. When he came to, she was dead. He said he stuffed her into a large black trash can and transported her to Cypress Creek. And there he submerged her body,” the prosecutor said.

On Friday a judge denied Sowders’ bond. His attorney tells 11 News he is shocked by the allegations. If convicted, his client could receive life in prison or even the death penalty.

Read more:

http://www.kvue.com/news/238619381.html

HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE
Adrian Garcia, Sheriff

PRESS RELEASE
January 2, 2014



Matthew O. Sowders, 28, listed in Harris County court records as the estranged husband of Melissa R. Sowders, was being questioned by HCSO homicide investigators this evening after being arrested on a capital murder charge in her death.

The defendant was scheduled to be taken later to the Harris County Jail after questioning so that judicial proceedings against him could begin.

His arrest came a few hours after a Texas EquuSearch team, working with the HCSO, recovered a body from Cypress Creek near where the woman lived. Official identification of the body will be made by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The search for the woman lasted several days and included the work of HCSO divers.

Melissa Sowders, 26, was reported missing last week amid fears she had been the victim of fowl play. After the HCSO asked the public for help with finding her and the car, the Honda Accord she had driven was recovered a few days ago in a parking lot in the same north Harris County area.

Harris County District Clerk's Office online records list Matthew and Melissa Sowders as parties to a pending divorce case involving children. He filed the case in October, according to the records.

Online records also showed Matthew Sowders was sentenced to four days in jail and a $100 fine for driving while his license was suspended in 2005 and a $100 fine for trespassing in 2004.

http://thepolicenews.net/default.aspx?act=Newsletter.aspx&category=News+1-2&newsletterid=42506&menugroup=Home

New details in murder case involving missing pregnant woman, Melissa Sowders

Author: Joel Eisenbaum, Investigative Reporter, Anchor, jeisenbaum@kprc.com

Published On: Jan 03 2014 06:46:52 PM CST Updated On: Jan 03 2014 06:50:22 PM CST



http://www.click2houston.com/news/texas-equusearch-body-found-in-cypress-creek/-/1735978/23764934/-/9jc1g1/-/index.html

"Melissa Sowders' family members told us when the mother of four disappeared she was trying to start a new life; extracting herself from a troubled marriage and preparing for the birth of her fifth child. Now they say they just want justice.

"I don't know why somebody could be so evil and do this to her. She never done nothing wrong to nobody or anything like that," said her sister, Amber Newsom.

~Snipped~

"Somebody took my sunshine away and nothing can ever bring her back, but I love her very, very much," said her mother, Sonia Newsom.

Sowders' parents say she was in the process of ending a tumultuous nine-year marriage. A new man came into her life and she was happy.

"I haven't seen her happy in a long time and she was real happy when she was with Jason," said her father, Jimmy Newsom.

Jason is Jason Sanford, Sowders' current boyfriend and father of her unborn child. He says Thursday's discovery brings him no peace.

"Doesn't make it any better, doesn't make it any better at all. I don't even know what to say," Sanford said.

He says he last spoke with Sowders the day after Christmas when she was supposed to meet with her estranged husband and youngest daughter at a McDonald's. The couple was working out details of their divorce and custody of their four daughters."

http://www.12newsnow.com/story/24350997/estranged-husband-of-missing-woman-charged-with-capital-murder-hours-after-body-found

Just heard on our local Houston news that the family of Melissa Sowders needs financial help in burying Melissa.  An account has been set up at an Amegy Bank in Spring, TX.

Reporter interviewed Melissa's cousin.  She said if there will be any money left over, they will donate it to a "women's shelter" or to Texas EquuSearch.

The reporter said there will be details later on how to make donations if one chooses to do so.

Also, reporter said Matthew Sowders has a court appearance on Monday.  (I posted that info upthread from records with the Harris County District Clerk's Office as well as Harris County Jail.)

Reporter said the family of Melissa Sowders hopes the prosecutors will pursue the death penalty.

No video or article posted yet re the above.

The following info is from 'live' TV 9 pm FOX26 (KRIV) news - Houston, TX.

Personally I am not a fan of making donations to a bank account.  Sometimes the funds are not used for the purpose the donar intends or thinks the donation will be used.  

If one would like to make a donation in memory of Melissa Sowders, I suggest making a direct donation to Texas EquuSearch or to a charity of your choice.

Donations to Texas EquuSearch can be made by clicking on Donate (right side) of their homepage and follow instructions.

http://texasequusearch.org/
Texas EquuSearch - Homepage

If you want to make a donation to Amegy Bank (Spring, TX) for the burial of Melissa Sowders, see below:

A FUND SET UP TO HELP BURY MELISSA SOWDERS!

By Isiah Carey on January 3, 2014
FOX 26 (KRIV) - Houston, TX




The body of Melissa Sowders was found Thursday by Harris County investigators and Texas Equusearch.

Sowders estranged husband Matthew was arrested and charged with her murder.

Now the family of Melissa needs help burying her.

A fund has been set up at Amegy Bank in Spring.

The location is 1000 Spring Cypress Road.

If you’d like to call the number is 281-320-5409.

Ask for the Melissa Sowders Burial Fund!

Source:

http://www.isiahfactor.com/2014/01/03/a-fund-set-up-to-help-bury-melissa-sowders/
FOX26 - Isiah Carey (Reporter)

From Friday, 1/3/2014:


New details on pregnant mother Sowders murder

Posted: Jan 03, 2014 6:23 PM CST  Updated: Jan 03, 2014 6:24 PM CST
KRIV (FOX) - Houston, TX

HOUSTON (FOX 26) -
Matthew Sowders made an early morning court appearance where the details of his crime were laid out.

Prosecutor: He strangled his wife for pulling a gun on him and dumped her car in the greenspoint area."

Prosecutors also said Sowders confessed to two different women he strangled his wife Melissa Sowders the day after Christmas.

Snipped:

Melissa's cousin Michelle Bierman says, "she went back to him so she could have more time with their children then she put her phone down. He picked up the phone and found a positive pregnancy test she sent her boyfriend and pictures of her in lingerie she sent to her boyfriend and that sent him into a jealous rage."

Read more & view video:

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/24359746/new-details-on-pregnant-mother-sowders-murder

~~~~~

I wonder why Michelle Bierman would make the snipped comment (above). She was not there.  At this time, I will consider it speculation.  Unless I hear it from the Harris County District Attorney's office or from the Harris County Sheriff's Office, I will consider her comment speculation.

In an interview on FOX26 - Houston, which was on the 9 pm News tonight (no video or article posted yet), she said something similar.  She said Melissa was on the floor playing with her child and she put her phone on the bar.  Matthew picked it up and found a pic of Melissa's pregnancy test and a pic of herself (Melissa) in lingerie which she took for her boyfriend.  This sent Matthew in a rage per Michelle Bierman, Melissa's cousin.

As this case unfolded, I got the impression that Melissa did not have a close relationship with her family but was looking forward to seeing them more often in the future.

Per this video, Matthew Sowders has a twin sister and they were adopted (from Nicaragua).

Reporter also discloses some comments from the 19 year old who allegedly saw Melissa's feet and legs in the apartment ( of Matthew Sowders).
~~~~~


Prosecutors: Husband confessed to strangling ex-wife, dumping body

Posted on January 3, 2014 at 8:59 AM
Updated yesterday at 11:00 PM

KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX





HOUSTON—There are disturbing new details in the death of pregnant mother Melissa Sowders, whose body was found in Cypress Creek Thursday.

Her estranged husband, 28-year-old Matt Sowders, was arrested hours later on a capital murder charge.

Snipped:

The family was finalizing plans for a funeral that will be held next week.

Melissa Sowders Fund:

Amegy Bank

1000 Spring Cypress Road

Spring, Texas 77373

Read more & view video:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/matt-sowders-appears-in-court-following-arrest-for-wifes-murder-238591591.html

Woman found in creek was strangled, prosecutors say
Investigator alleges neighbor saw body of a woman in

January 3, 2014 | Updated: January 3, 2014 11:46pm

Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX


A pregnant woman whose body was found in Cypress Creek on Thursday was strangled, Harris County prosecutors said Friday.

During a hearing in front of Magistrate Eric Hagstette, prosecutors alleged that Matthew Sowders, 28, told two friends that he strangled his estranged wife after she pulled a gun on him the day after Christmas.

The Humble man has been charged with capital murder in the deaths of Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, and her unborn child. He has been denied bail.

Dustan Neyland, Matthew Sowders' attorney, said his client is innocent.

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/default/article/Woman-found-in-creek-was-strangled-prosecutors-5111324.php

This morning on the 7 a.m FOX (KRIV) News [TV] - Houston, TX, there was a report that Matthew Sowders will be in court this morning at 9 a.m. CST. (No story posted on KRIV yet; no Link available)

We already knew that and we also know that Sowders has asked for a court appointed attorney. That motion was filed on Friday, 1/3/14, in Judge Brock Thomas' court.

The official mugshot courtesy of Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) - Houston, Harris County, TX:


Courtesy of HCSO
Matthew O. Sowders


Source:

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2014/01/matthew_sowders_held_in_wife_m.php
The Houston Press - Houston, TX  -- 1/3/14    Matthew Sowders Held in Wife Melissa Sowers' Death

Matthew Sowders had a court appearance this morning, 1/6/14, at 9 a.m.

His motion to withdraw attorney was granted.  

On 1/3/14, he indicated to the Judge that he wanted a court appointed attorney.

Robert A. Morrow, III is now listed as his attorney of record.

This info is from the Harris County District Clerk's Office - Houston, Harris County, TX.

As I type this, they are updating.  I will post the updated info as soon as it appears to be complete.

The following is per the Harris County District Clerk's Office - Houston, Harris County, TX.  This is all of the activity listed since 1/2/14 (the date Matthew O. Sowders was arrested.)
~~~~~


141313701010 - The State of Texas vs. SOWDERS, MATTHEW OKELL (Court 338)


Date  Type  Description  SNU/CFI  

01/02/2014  COMPLAINT FILED  2128 338 CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SI LEVEL FC

01/02/2014  BOND SET  $0  999  

01/02/2014  REVIEWED BY  SPENCE, CONSTANCE CHI  

01/02/2014  ORI  SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OFFENSE NO: 13178265

01/02/2014  COMPLAINANT  BROWN, JASON MATTHE

01/03/2014  CMIF  TIME 0252 AMOUNT $0  999

01/03/2014   NOT ACKNOWLEDGED BY SHERIFF  

01/06/2014  ATTORNEY  MORROW, ROBERT A. III  998  

01/06/2014  ATTORNEY  AAT COURT 338 CFI 338  

01/06/2014  JUDGE  THOMAS, BROCK JR. PRESIDING  

01/06/2014  ATTORNEY  MORROW, ROBERT A. III  999

01/06/2014  ATTORNEY  AAT COURT 338 CFI 338  

01/06/2014  JUDGE  THOMAS, BROCK JR. PRESIDING  

01/03/2014  C87 ACTIVITY  PCWAR DONE STATUS CFI 338  999

01/06/2014  MOTIONS  TO WITHDRAW ATTORNEY  998  

01/06/2014  MOTIONS  FILED CFI 338  

01/03/2014  MOTIONS  REQ APPT ATTY  999  

01/03/2014  MOTIONS  FILED CFI 338  

01/06/2014  ORDER  MO TO WITHDRAW ATTORN GRNTD  999  

01/06/2014  OFFENSE  CAPITAL MURDER-UNDER SIX YRS LEVEL FC  

Source:

http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/edocs/public/CaseDetails.aspx?Get=gFjfAu2Tp2WjhRG4WPSybJC4qYbxVMB3kkf7+49SXirSX0OL+yujZS86BNy4hOgGFfUoyNV5d/k/RSUeTDZzM26bbqZSLuQtj69Tyi3Rlyc=
Harris County District Clerk's Office - Houston, Harris County, TX  - Matthew Okell Sowders - Activities

Robert A. Morrow, III is listed with a law firm in Spring, TX.  Spring is adjacent to Houston, TX.

You can view educational, experience info, etc. on Robert Morrow, III here:

http://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/robert-morrow-iii-202190
Justia Lawyers - justia.com - Robert Morrow, III

http://texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Find_A_Lawyer&template=/Customsource/MemberDirectory/MemberDirectoryDetail.cfm&ContactID=180214
State Bar of Texas - Austin, TX  -- Robert A.   Morrow III

Judge denies bail for Humble man accused in pregnant wife's death

By Brian Rogers | January 6, 2014 | Updated: January 6, 2014 12:12pm

Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX



Photo By Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

Matthew Sowders, 28, acknowledges the presence of his father
as he is walked out of the 338th State District Court at the
Harris County Criminal Courthouse after his first court appearance.
Sowders was charged with capital murder after the body of
Melissa Rene Sowders was found in the waters of Cypress Creek.
Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston.


Snipped:

State District Judge Brock Thomas ruled that Matthew Sowders, 28, would remain in custody without bail.

Matthew Sowders, appearing in an orange Harris County jail uniform, asked for a court-appointed attorney after the lawyer he had hired withdrew from the case.

The judge found that the Humble man is indigent and appointed lawyer Robert Morrow, who was not in court Monday.

Matthew Sowders is accused of strangling 26-year-old Melissa Sowders on Dec. 26, killing the pregnant woman and her unborn child, according to prosecutors.

Assistant Harris County District Attorney John Jordan said in court that autopsy results confirmed that Melissa Sowders was two months pregnant.

Snipped:

Jordan would not talk about what Matthew Sowders told police, but said there was no evidence that the victim pulled a gun.

"We would not be standing here if this was anything close to self-defense," Jordan said.


Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Judge-denies-bail-for-Humble-man-accused-in-5117925.php?cmpid=hpbn

Per the Harris County Sherrif's Office site (inmate inquiry), Matthew Sowders' next court appearance is 1/8/14.
The Harris County District Clerk's files on Sowders is not updated at this time.  Should be soon!


https://apps.jims.hctx.net/sopublic/Inquiry.do
Harris County Sheriff's Office - Houston, Harris County, TX
Inmate Inquiry:  Matthew Sowders

Snipped:

INFORMATION ACCURATE AS OF 01/06/2014 - 13:05

NAME SOWDERS, MATTHEW O SPN 02081343

COURT 338
COURT DATE 01/08/2014

Judge denies bail for Humble man accused in pregnant wife's death

By Brian Rogers | January 6, 2014 | Updated: January 6, 2014 12:12pm

Excerpt:


2 of 35
Photo By Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle
David Sowders, center right, father of Matthew Sowders expresses his support for his son who is charge with capital murder as he exits the 338th State District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston. Matthew Sowders' former attorney Dustan Neyland, center left, accompanies David Sowders during the statement to the members of the media.

The father of a man accused of strangling his estranged wife and dumping her body in a Cypress Creek last month said Monday he wants to know the full story, whatever that may be, about the alleged incident.

Asked what he thought the truth may be, Dave Sowders said he did not know. Sowders, who is an employee of the Houston Chronicle, spoke after his son, Matthew Sowders, appeared in court Monday on a capital murder charge.

"I'm here today to support my son and hoping for the truth to come out," said Dave Sowders. "We're praying for Melissa's family-this is a very hard thing for all of us."

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Judge-denies-bail-for-Humble-man-accused-in-5117925.php?cmpid=hpbn

"Sanford said Matthew Sowders, who had custody of the children, was to have brought the youngest child to the McDonald's restaurant for a day-after-Christmas visit.

That McDonald's was the last place anyone saw Melissa Sowders alive, prosecutors said."

Source:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Judge-denies-bail-for-Humble-man-accused-in-5117925.php?cmpid=hpbn#comments

@Ann - TX:

Thank you so much for all the updates and useful information.

You are welcome, Ales!

Thanks for your posts also.

When I posted the Chronicle article by Brian Rogers, there were no updated pics posted yet. I see there is now (Thanks to you.). I will go back to my post upthread and post at least one pic of Sowders in court.

Man accused of killing wife, dumping body in Cypress Creek appears before judge

Posted on January 6, 2014 at 3:52 PM
Updated today at 3:53 PM

HOUSTON – Matthew Sowders, the man accused of killing his pregnant estranged wife, appeared before a Harris County judge Monday morning.

Sowders is accused of strangling Melissa Sowders, then dumping her body in Cypress Creek.

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Man-accused-of-killing-wife-dumping-body-in-Cypress-Creek-appears-before-judge-238953851.html
~~~~~~~~

Note:  At this time the video to the 4 pm News (CST) is not posted with this article.  Perhaps KHOU will post it at the above Link soon.  It includes interviews with prosecutor and Matthew Sowders father, Dave.

Man accused of killing wife, dumping body in Cypress Creek appears before judge

Posted on January 6, 2014 at 3:52 PM
Updated today at 4:13 PM

KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX




HOUSTON – Matthew Sowders, the man accused of killing his pregnant estranged wife, appeared before a Harris County judge Monday morning.

Read more & view video (6:38):

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Man-accused-of-killing-wife-dumping-body-in-Cypress-Creek-appears-before-judge-238953851.html

http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/edocs/public/CaseDetails.aspx?Get=gFjfAu2Tp2WjhRG4WPSybJC4qYbxVMB3kkf7+49SXirSX0OL+yujZS86BNy4hOgGFfUoyNV5d/k/RSUeTDZzM26bbqZSLuQtj69Tyi3Rlyc=
Harris County District Clerk's Office - Houston, Harris County, TX
141313701010 - The State of Texas vs. SOWDERS, MATTHEW OKELL (Court 338)

Snipped from Settings:

Date      
1/08/2014 09:00 AM

Court
338
 
Docket Type
Master Docket

 Reason
 Arraignment

Video (2:48):   Father of man accused of murdering pregnant wife says ‘he could not have done this’

Posted on January 7, 2014 at 6:59 PM
Updated today at 7:03 PM

KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX

KHOU 11 News learned more details Tuesday about what may have led to the death of a north Harris County mother whose body was found in Cypress Creek. Matthew Sowders is accused of strangling Melissa Sowders, then dumping her body in Cypress Creek.




Source:

http://www.khou.com/video?id=239178801&sec=548357

Per the reporter in above Linked KHOU video, funeral arrangements for Melissa Sowders are still pending.

KHOU will let the public know when that info is available.

An article has been posted regarding the above Linked video from KHOU which I posted at 7:15 pm on 1/7/14.
~~~~~

Father of man accused of murdering pregnant wife says ‘he could not have done this’

Posted on January 7, 2014 at 6:59 PM
Updated today at 7:25 PM

KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX

Snipped:


For the first time, we hear from Sowders’ father. Matthew Sowders, and his twin sister Megan were born into the Miskito Indian tribe in Nicaragua. Their biological father was a soldier there. When he and their mother couldn't care for them anymore, they left the babies at a military hospital. They were adopted by the Sowders in just a matter of days.

"The son that I know could not have done this," said David.

On the day after Christmas when Melissa vanished, the 28-year-old husband allegedly confessed and told two different women what he had done, prosecutors said.

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Father-of-man-accused-of-murdering-pregnant-wife-says-he-could-not-have-done-this-239178801.html