Montgomery County investigators said a man is charged with killing his 81-year-old father, who was found shot to death earlier this week near The Woodlands.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — Montgomery County investigators announced Friday that the son of an 81-year-old man found shot to death earlier this week is now charged in the case.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that 38-year-old Justin Blount has been charged with the murder of his father, James “Jim” Blount.
Authorities said Justin Blount initially called 911, reporting he had found his father dead at a home on Trails End Road, east of I-45 near The Woodlands. Deputies responded around 8 a.m. Monday and found James Blount, who appeared to have been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time, investigators had not identified a suspect.
According to the sheriff’s office, Justin Blount was first arrested the day of the incident after deputies determined he had used his father’s credit cards without authorization. Records show that Justin Blount is also charged with credit or debit card abuse of the elderly.
As the investigation continued, detectives said they uncovered additional evidence linking him to the killing.
Investigators now believe Justin Blount not only used the victim’s financial resources but is also responsible for his father’s death.
The sheriff’s office said multiple agencies worked the case, including its Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigators, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office and Harris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 teams.
James Blount’s death shocked friends and the local trail riding community, where he was known as “Mr. Jim.”
Friends described him as a longtime trail driver who bred and trained draft horses and someone who “never met a stranger.”
“If you ever needed anything, he was the one to call,” said Linda Young, who knew Blount for 30 years and served with him as a deputy constable.
Others remembered him as a respected and experienced horseman.
“If you saw a movie with an old, salty cowboy … that would be Jim Blount,” said Angie Gonzales, a trail boss with the Rounders group.
Community groups, including the Rounders and the Texas Cattlemen’s Trail Ride Association, shared tributes this week, calling his death a heartbreaking loss and praising his legacy and impact.
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