Man accused of firing at crowded gas station, killing 24-year-old sister arrested in Arizona: HPD

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A 35-year-old man is awaiting extradition to Houston after being arrested in Arizona nearly a month after his sister’s shooting death.

Richard Taplin faces charges of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful carry of a weapon with a felony conviction related to the April 27 shooting of his 24-year-old sister, Sarah.

The shooting occurred just before 10 p.m. at 8100 MLK Boulevard.

According to the Houston Police Department, an argument erupted between Sarah Taplin and an “unidentified woman,” though it was unclear if they knew each other.

During the altercation, Richard Taplin allegedly took a firearm from someone, pointed it at the unidentified woman, and fired as she fled. Police reported that Richard Taplin also fired into a crowded gas station parking lot across the street.

Sarah Taplin was struck at least once during the shooting.

Richard Taplin spent nearly a month on the run before being arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 20. He is currently awaiting extradition to Houston.