Man charged in slaying at Montrose hair salon

Reginald Eaglin accused of killing Scott Childress

HOUSTON – Houston police said they know who killed a man in a Montrose area salon.

Reginald Eaglin, 53, has been charged with murder.

Investigators said about 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Eaglin and the victim, Scott Ellis Childress, 46, got into an argument inside the Scott Childress Studio in the 1700 block of Welch Street at Dunlavy in Montrose. 

The hair salon doubles as a residence.

Eaglin told police that at some point during the fight, Childress went to get a pipe wrench to attack him.

Eaglin said that in self-defense, he grabbed the pipe wrench away from Childress and hit him with it.

Investigators said after interviewing Eaglin, murder charges were filed by the District Attorney.

"I was shocked because that's not his personality," said Eaglin's cousin, Chuck.

Officials said no one knew there was anything wrong until someone asked officers to go by and check on the home around 10:30 a.m. Friday.

The caller said he was concerned about the Childress, who police later found dead on the floor in the home.

Friends have left flowers and cards of condolence in memory of Childress outside the studio.

"He was a very kind and fun person," friend and client Judy Barrish said.

Barrish said Childress had a big heart and had recently spent time to help a young woman going to her prom.

"Scott was a very dear and sweet person," she said. "He would do anything for anybody."

Eaglin has a long history with police dating back to 1976, including theft, drug, resisting arrest and assault charges.