A joint investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Clarence Marshal’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office and Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office led to the arrest of a husband in connection with the death of his wife and unborn fetus in Clarence according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

The investigation began on Monday morning, June 3, at approximately 9:45 am, when the NPSO 911 Center received a 911 call from a female in the 300 block of Greenville Drive in Clarence, reporting her pregnant niece was unresponsive.

Clarence Marshal Eartha Hall and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were dispatched to the residence.

Shortly after their arrival, EMS discovered the female deceased inside of a rear room of the residence.

Marshal Hall requested assistance from the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division.

Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division, NPSO Criminal Investigations Division, Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office and Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene.

Detectives identified the victim as Elonzeya Zoleah Teal-Houston, 22 of the 300 block of Mill Street in Campti.

Detectives also learned Mrs. Teal-Houston was five months pregnant.

Teal-Houston was pronounced dead at the scene by Natchitoches Parish Deputy Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton.

Her body was transported to a forensics lab for an autopsy to determine the manner of death.

Throughout Monday morning detectives processed the crime scene, gathered evidence and spoke with family members.

While on the scene, Christopher O’Neal Houston Jr., of Campti the husband of Mrs. Teal-Houston drove up to the crime scene.

Detectives say Mr. Houston he appeared very nervous at the crime scene. They focused their investigative efforts towards Houston and transported him to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division for questioning.

Within twenty minutes of the interview, Houston confessed to the murder of his wife by strangulation on Sunday evening at an elderly relative’s home in Clarence during an argument over money and personal issues.

Houston confessed to wrapping Mrs. Houston’s body in a sheet this morning and placing her in the corner of a bedroom then leaving and going to Natchitoches to purchase boots for his job.

As a result of the investigation, Christopher O’Neal Houston Jr., 25, of the 300 block of Mill Street, Campti, La., was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on Monday afternoon at approximately 3:15pm, charged with 1-count of Second Degree Murder and 1-Count of First Degree Fetecide in connection with the death of five-month old fetus.

Houston remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center without bond.

Houston is on felony probation until November 2019 for a Possession of CDS Schedule II Narcotics conviction.

Sheriff Jones extends his deepest sympathy to Mrs. Teal-Houston’s family and also thanks family members who assisted detectives during the investigative stages of the senseless murder case.

Involved in the investigation and arrest were: Asst. Chief of Investigations Reginald Turner, Lt. Carey Etheredge, Detective Darrell Winder, Detective Amber Shirley, Deputy Stuart Wright, Deputy Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton, Marshal Eartha Hall-Clarence Marshal’s Office, District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, 1st Assistant District Attorney Cloyd Benjamin and NPSO Patrol Shift “A”.