HOUSTON – A suspect has been arrested and charged in the death of a woman whose burning body was found near George Bush Park last year.
Pilar Pineda Rodriguez, 55, has been charged with capital murder.
Rodriguez has been accused of killing Norma Angelica Tapia, whose body was found in the 16000 block of Westheimer Parkway on July 6. She had been choked and set on fire, police said.
Police said Tapia's co-workers last saw her getting into her car in the parking lot of Shish Kabob Cafe in the 19900 block of the Katy Freeway on July 5. Her car was found in the parking lot.
Investigators said Rodriguez kidnapped Tapia from the parking lot, took her to the field near the park, used Saran Wrap to choke her, doused her body with gasoline and set it on fire twice.
Rodriguez was jealous of Tapia, police said. Tapia had recently begun dating a man that Rodriguez had been involved with for about 10 years, officials said.
"We developed her (was a suspect) early on because some of the statements she gave us were inconsistent," Officer Jonathan French said. "The problem was we didn't have concrete evidence to tie her to the crime."
Detectives said Rodriguez was linked to Tapia's death through DNA found at the scene and other evidence indicating her involvement.
Investigators said Rodriguez has not shown any remorse.
"She's got the blackest eyes," French said. "I look into them and I don't see a soul. No response whatsoever."
Rodriguez is being held in the Harris County Jail without bond.