A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Harris County, Texas, where a 69-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her own son. Police believe he may have used a hammer to take his mother’s life on Wednesday night.
The victim, Eva Peavy, was described by loved ones as a kind and caring mom. Her husband, Curtis Peavy, is struggling to come to terms with the shocking crime, especially since he had raised the accused, 35-year-old Jarell Joseph, as his own son.
The horror came to light when Joseph’s stepbrother arrived home and saw something chilling in the garage—a body lying lifeless on the ground. Outside, he found Joseph pacing in and out of the house, gripping a hammer. Realizing something was terribly wrong, he immediately called his father.
“Dad, you need to come home real quick. Jarell just did something to Momma Eva,” he told Curtis Peavy in a panic.
Peavy, recalling that moment, said he was in shock. “I said, ‘What do you mean?’ and he told me, ‘I got here and just saw a body laying in the garage.’ At first, I was just numb… That’s her son, but I raised him. I was the only dad in his life.”
Police arrived at the Ellesmere Drive home in the Woodforest neighborhood, part of the Houston metro area, and quickly detained Joseph. Authorities say he surrendered the hammer without any resistance.
“When deputies arrived, he put it down and cooperated,” said Sergeant Michael Ritchie from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Joseph’s stepbrother, who was home at the time, told officers that Joseph had been acting strangely and wasn’t speaking much. Sensing something was off, he kept his distance.
Family members revealed that Joseph and his mother had a troubled relationship, and this wasn’t the first time violence had erupted between them. Court records show he had been previously arrested for domestic violence against her.
“He attacked her before—he tried choking her,” Peavy shared. “My mom was there and saved her.”
Joseph had long struggled with mental health issues. According to Peavy, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. His condition worsened due to drug use, especially synthetic marijuana, which sent his life into a downward spiral.
“We got him into rehab, got him on medication,” Peavy said. “But he stopped taking it.”
Despite the tragedy, Peavy is holding onto his faith. “She was a loving, caring mom,” he said. “I know it’s just the peace of God that’s keeping me together right now.”
Joseph has been charged with first-degree murder and remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation.
