Man Arrested for Murder of Registered Sex Offender in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – A 24-year-old man has been taken into custody for the murder of a registered sex offender. James Lewis Spencer III was arrested by the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force on Wednesday, according to Houston police.

Discovery of the Crime

On the morning of May 29, 2023, a passerby in the 900 block of Northwood Street discovered a lifeless body in a ditch and immediately called 911. The victim was later identified as 37-year-old Sean Connery Showers.

Surveillance Video Leads to Clues

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the area, which revealed that a car had driven up at around 3:50 a.m. The vehicle stopped, fired multiple shots within seconds, and then quickly sped away. A search warrant confirmed the presence of automatic-like gunfire.

Connection through Social Media

Further investigation revealed that Showers and Spencer had been communicating through a social media app. The nature of their conversations was sexual, and it was believed that they had planned to meet at Montie Beach Park for sexual activity.

The Deceptive Role of Spencer

According to Rehman Merchant, the chief prosecutor for the 179th District Court, Spencer had been posing as an underage person during their conversations on the Kik app. The investigation also uncovered discussions about Showers’ past interactions with children or underage individuals.

Victim’s Criminal History

Showers had previously pleaded guilty to child pornography possession in 2009 and was sentenced to 30 months in prison. He was also required to register as a sex offender for life. In 2019, he received a two-year prison sentence for failure to comply as a sex offender.

Spencer’s Statements and Evidence

Phone records led investigators to Spencer, and his girlfriend confirmed that he had made comments about pedophiles around the time of the murder. Spencer’s phone was tracked to and from the crime scene, and he admitted to being there multiple times. The investigation is ongoing to determine if Spencer is connected to any other cases.

Court Proceedings and Bail

Spencer’s bond was set at $250,000, and if released, he will be placed under house arrest. The district attorney’s office has filed a motion to have him held without bond, citing his current bond for a controlled substance charge in Brazoria County. Spencer is scheduled to appear in court on February 5.

Mycah Hatfield is covering this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.