Suspect believed to have killed Dr. Hausknecht because of 20-year-old grudge
08/01/2018 5:30 pm PDT
By Ciara Rouege, KIAH
HOUSTON -- (KIAH) -- It's possible the man accused of fatally shooting renowned cardiologist Dr. Mark Hausknecht was acting on a grudge held for more than 20 years, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said during a press conference Wednesday.
Joseph James Pappas is charged with capital murder. He remains at large and is armed with several weapons, police said. The suspect's mother was a patient of Hausknecht's who died during surgery decades ago, according to Houston Police.
The Harris County District's Attorney's Office issued a murder warrant for Pappas' arrest Wednesday. Acevedo said officers found evidence connecting the suspect to Hausknecht's death while searching his home, but Pappas was not there.
Based on communications with Pappas' acquaintances, detectives said the suspect may be highly suicidal.
The suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous, and police advise the public not to try to deal with him directly. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS (8477) or the Houston Police Department homicide division directly at (713) 308-3600.
