Houston police have arrested and charged James Earl Mason for the murder of Stephon Sadler, 22, who was allegedly shot multiple times by Mason in the parking lot of the Rancho Verde Apartments at 6000 Sunforest about 11:55 p.m. Friday, March 18.

Witnesses stated there was an argument between the two men and an unidentified female. The argument got heated and Mason allegedly shot the victim. Afterward, he and the unidentified female fled on foot.

Mason was arrested on Monday, March 21, and confessed to his role in the incident.

This article appears in Mar 17-23, 2011.

Jeff Balke is a writer, editor, photographer, tech expert and native Houstonian. He has written for a wide range of publications and co-authored the official 50th anniversary book for the Houston Rockets.