A 15-year-old boy was found holding his father in a chokehold, officials said.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County homicide detectives are investigating after a Katy-area father died Tuesday following a disturbance involving his estranged wife, another man and his teenage son.
The incident happened before dawn in the 21400 block of Sagrantino Court, near Monticello Terrace. Deputies responding to a family disturbance found the father in a chokehold held by his son, who officials said may be 15. The father was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
Maj. Ben Katrib of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the father had recently returned from out of town. Investigators said he went to the home, where his estranged wife, her three teenage children and another adult man were inside. The wife told officials the man was banging on the door before he entered.
The confrontation grew into a fight between the two adult men, sheriff’s officials said. Investigators said that fight moved outside into the front yard. The teenager then restrained his father in a chokehold until deputies arrived. Deputies found the man unresponsive and began aid before emergency medical crews took over.
Authorities had not released the father’s name, the teenager’s name or the names of the adults involved. Officials also had not said who called 911. The medical examiner’s findings are expected to help investigators determine whether the chokehold caused the death or whether another factor was involved.
Two adults were detained after the incident but were not officially arrested, sheriff’s officials said. Katrib said investigators may present the case to the juvenile division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which would review whether charges or a grand jury presentation are appropriate.
Sheriff’s officials said there were no earlier calls for service involving the family at the home. Katrib also said investigators did not believe there was an ongoing danger to neighbors. Detectives continued gathering statements and evidence from the scene Tuesday.
The case remained under investigation Tuesday, with the next key step expected from the medical examiner and prosecutors reviewing the evidence collected by sheriff’s investigators.
Author note: Last updated May 5, 2026.