In a tragic occurrence in Texas, a 38-year-old woman, M. Brooker, was brutally murdered with a huge knife and a cinder block by a 36-year-old male, R. Ozment, who was just freed on parole after serving only ten years of a 40-year sentence. Police arrested Ozment and charged him with first-degree murder for Brooker’s death. According to investigators, the horrible tragedy occurred last Saturday.
The events that led to Ozment’s arrest began when his mother called authorities. She stated that her son was “very sweaty” and that she had discovered a “human foot lying on the ground behind an RV” on her property. Alarmed by the horrible finding, the mother confronted Ozment and demanded, “What have you done?” Ozment allegedly said Brooker “tried to stab me.” His mother rushed into the house as her husband dialed 911.
Deputies arrived at the site and discovered Brooker badly injured behind the RV. First responders began treating the victim for serious injuries, primarily to her head. Despite receiving urgent medical assistance and hospitalization, Brooker succumbed to her injuries. According to Sheriff P. McNamara, the attack was the result of an unnamed domestic disagreement; however, the nature of Ozment and Brooker’s relationship was unknown at the time of the investigation.
Following the incident, Ozment fled the site, prompting a massive manhunt by several law enforcement organizations, including ground and air forces. After a tense 10-hour manhunt, authorities discovered Ozment submerged in a stock tank in the woods near the crime scene. No additional incident occurred during his arrest.
During a press conference, McNamara described the incident as “one of the most horrific, horrible, brutal, and senseless attacks” he had witnessed. He went over Ozment’s criminal background, noting that the suspect had been freed on parole several months prior after serving 10 years of a 40-year sentence for various burglaries, including churches and homes in the vicinity. “He is now back where he belongs, and our community is safer for it,” she said. The county jail currently holds Ozment on a $1 million bond.
The probe is still ongoing. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the nature of Ozment’s relationship with Brooker. When new information becomes available, authorities may file additional charges.
After Brooker’s passing, her child received support through a GoFundMe campaign. “In this incredibly difficult time, we are asking for your support to help cover the unexpected expenses and ensure her family can grieve without worrying about bills, food, gas, and support for her child.” “She tragically took from us too soon,” reads the GoFundMe page. She was a beloved mother, daughter, and friend who died as a result of a senseless act of violence.
