Man accused of killing common-law wife held on $50,000 bond

HOUSTON – A man accused of killing his common-law wife last week in a southwest Houston apartment appeared Monday in court.

Hours after the body of Rena Hodges, 35, was found in her apartment Friday morning, Jerald Watt, 40, was named a suspect in the case.

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Watt was arrested and charged with murder Sunday after someone tipped off police about his location, authorities said.

According to court documents, Hodges wanted to end her relationship with Watt. Hodges called a friend who told investigators that Hodges could be heard arguing and scuffling, according to the documents. Hodges also screamed, “He’s pointing a gun at me,” during the call, according to the documents.

Watt was charged with murder.

On Monday, a judge ordered Watt held in jail on $50,000 bond.