Mother, Son, Girlfriend Accused In Killing

HOUSTON -- A mother, a son and his girlfriend have been accused of killing a man outside a northeast Houston check cashing-business, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday

Houston police said the killing happened as two men walked out of the store on Fleming Drive near Maxey Road with their money.

Someone came out of the darkness and shot them, investigators said. Cesar Alvarado, 26, was killed. His friend, Jesus Garcia, survived.

"We spoke with quite a few witnesses out there at the check-cashing place that night and they had some descriptions of the suspects' vehicle as well as the suspects leaving the scene," Investigator Bart Nabors said.

Debbie Probst, 3.; her 18-year-old son, James Probst; and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Elizabeth Smith have been charged with capital murder. Wednesday night, they sat in the Harris County Jail without bond.

Nabors said, "It happens, a lot of times. Not very often. It's probably my first time to work the case involving a mother/son. But I know it happens in cases."

Investigators said the trio could be connected to 15 other cases in Houston.