Suspect in fatal Frankston shooting found dead in Henderson County home

Published 7:29 pm Friday, August 10, 2018

The man police believe killed a woman in a Frankston convenience store was found dead in an apparent suicide at his home.

Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said Grady Howell, 78, was discovered dead at his home in the 11000 block of Hillside Drive from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Frankston Police said Howell killed Tammy Wynette Stevens, 51, of Frankston, and wounded James Jones, 73, of Frankston, at the Kwik Stop & Go at 308 East Pine St.

Police said Howell walked into the store around 11 a.m. Friday, walked up to Stevens, spoke with her briefly, then pulled a revolver from the front of his clothing and shot her, according to a news release.

It is unknown if Howell and Stevens had any relationship or interaction prior to the shooting.

The release said the bullet that killed Howell struck Jones in the arm.

The Texas Rangers and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the suicide investigation.

Howell was discovered when Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County District Attorney’s Office and Texas Rangers went to the home to execute an arrest warrant, Hillhouse said.

Henderson County Sheriff’s negotiators made contact with Howell over the phone and police prepared to take Howell into custody, according to the news release. 

Once communication with the suspect ended, the Frankston Police chief noticed a body in the carport of the house. Police have confirmed it was Howell.

— KYTX CBS 19 contributed to this report.

Twitter: @ByJamesHartley