Suspect Flees Prior to 60-Year Sentence

A man accused of brutally beating his wife left the Fayette County Courthouse during his trial last week and never returned. That didn’t stop the jury from finding him guilty and sentencing the man, 40-year-old Darren Houston of Austin, to 60 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the crime of assault family violence enhanced.

Houston, who formerly lived in La Grange and Schulenburg, absconded from the courthouse after lunch on Thursday, Jan. 12, before the jury returned with the verdict. He never returned. Nevertheless, the jury found him guilty and issued their sentence.

La Grange Police Chief David Gilbreath said a warrant was issued for Houston’s arrest on Thursday afternoon. The Lone Star Task Force has been looking for him, Gilbreath said. He remained on the run as of Sunday, Jan. 15.

There was a strong security presence at the courthouse during the trial last week. Guards used metal detectors to search everyone entering the building.