Harris County crime: 15-year-old charged with stabbing Hockley mother to death
HOCKLEY, Texas - A 15-year-old boy has been charged with stabbing a 62-year-old Hockley woman to death on July 20 in northwest Harris County.
Dana Magnuson was found dead in the backyard of a home on Sunshine Meadow Drive in Hockley. The Houston County Sheriff's Office said the suspect ran from the scene before they arrived.
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Her son, Tyler Pitney, says his mom had returned home from a bike ride and began gardening when she was attacked in her backyard.
He says they now know the 15-year-old accused of killing her was a neighbor who helped Dana with lawn care and chores.
"Just nothing out of the ordinary, regular looking kid, looks like he comes from a decent home," he said.
He says his mother was stabbed on the back patio and her body was dragged to the shed.
"There was still blood everywhere - all over here - the doors," he said. "To be honest, I don't think it's really hit me yet."
On Monday, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced an arrest had been made in the case. The 15-year-old was arrested and charged with Magnuson's murder.
Tyler says his mom was a devoted mother who he talked to on the phone every day. He says she ran marathons, loved cooking for the family, and worked long shifts for Katy ISD transportation - where she worked as a transportation employee.
"She was the most loving person, the kindest, sweetest soul anyone's ever known, and its... This person took a true angel from this world," he said. "We hope this kid gets charged as an adult."
The teen, whose name has not been released due to his age, is currently in the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center.
Dana's family is working to get her affairs in order and manage this tragedy. If you'd like to help them through this difficult time, you can do so here.