HOUSTON — A 19-year-old accused of killing a 75-year-old Sharpstown woman faced a judge overnight.
Marco Cobos is being held without bond on a capital murder charge in the stabbing death of Etta Nugent at her Sharpstown home located in the 8100 block of Neff Street.
On Wednesday, prosecutors say Cobos confessed to killing Nugent and stabbing her more than 13 times despite the 75-year-old pleading for her life.
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Prosecutors say Cobos had been living out of a stolen truck that he parked in front of Nugent’s house.
On Monday, he knocked on her door asking for help fixing it. When she refused, prosecutors say Cobos forced his way inside and stabbed her more than a dozen times when she tried to get away.
Prosecutors added Cobos stole Nugent’s car, credit cards and cash. He came back to her home the following day in the stolen car, and that’s when he was taken into custody.
In the hearing, it was also revealed that Cobos is from Mexico and recently became unemployed.
As for Nugent, her family became concerned when she didn’t show to check up on her husband at his nursing home.
Sadly, her son found her and called police.
Nugent's family released the following statement on her death:
"The family of Etta Nugent is heartbroken and in absolute shock at the senseless tragedy that unfolded before them this week. Etta was a kind, gentle and generous woman who lived her life with unwavering dedication to her faith, family and friends. To see her life end in such a tragic, evil manner is simply unexplainable.
"The family takes comfort knowing that the suspect is in custody and has given a full confession, and they would like to express enormous gratitude to both the local community and the Houston Police Department for their roles in the arrest. Observant neighbors who were diligent in watching the area for suspicious activity were able to provide tangible clues, both big and small. Detectives were able to piece those clues together to identify the suspect and ultimately make an arrest.
"While the family greatly mourns the loss of Etta, they celebrate the actions of attentive neighbors and the noble work of the Houston Police Department. The family would like to notably thank lead Detectives Eric May and Bobby Moss, and all of the associated detectives, officers, and first responders for their respectful and thorough handling of this case.
"As a legacy to her life, the family urges every citizen to make an effort to form real relationships with their neighbors and to actively watch out for each other. The observations made by caring neighbors unquestionably paved the path for identifying the confessed suspect and seizing the opportunity to capture him in such a short amount of time.
"Etta leaves behind her husband of 53 years, their three children and six adoring grandchildren, all of Houston. She also leaves an extended family of siblings, nieces and nephews across the state of Texas, and numerous close friends throughout the Sharpstown and Bellaire communities surrounding St. Francis de Sales and Holy Ghost Catholic Churches.
"The family is extremely grateful for all of the support and words of comfort from so many, as well as continued respect for their privacy during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are pending."
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