19-year-old charged with capital murder in death of constable deputy

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged for allegedly murdering a Harris County Precinct 4 constable during an ambush at a nightclub in north Houston in October.

According to ABC13, Eddie Alberto Miller was arrested for shooting and killing Constable Deputy Kareem Atkins while he was working at the Norte Bar and Lounge responding to a suspected robbery. On Dec. 14, Miller appeared before a judge for charges of capital murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attempted capital murder of a peace officer. Miller was given no bond for the charges. 

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said that Miller was a danger to the community and she agreed with the judge’s bond decision. She added that this is a case where the death penalty or life in prison without parole are possible.

“If you kill a cop in this county, you are likely facing the death penalty, or at a minimum, life without parole,” Ogg said.

According to a report by Houston Daily, deputies responded to a suspected robbery at 2:15 a.m. on Oct. 16 in the 4400 block of the North Freeway near Crosstimbers at the 45 Norte Bar and Lounge. 

As two deputies were detaining a suspect, a car pulled out and shots were fired, killing Atkins and injuring another. A third deputy was shot as well when he came in response to the gunfire. 

Darrell Garrett and Juqaim Barthen were identified as the deputies who were shot and injured.

According to ABC13, security footage from the night club and an AR-15 recovered from the scene were helpful in charging Miller. They also had tips from the community to work on, according to detectives.

A detective in court also said that Miller was under surveillance at a home in Fort Bend County and upon leaving the residence with his mother, he was pulled over by police and surrendered. He was reportedly arrested with the handcuffs of the late Atkins.

Mario Madrid is a court-appointed attorney representing Miller, and he told ABC13 that he anticipates they will be requesting a bond.

“That will depend on the facts of the case that the state is alleging, his criminal background, if any,” Madrid said. “My understanding is that he doesn't have any. His ties to the community, possible danger to the community. These are standard questions that a judge is going to look at.”

Miller is the only suspect that has been charged and the situation is still under investigation. Miller’s next hearing will be in late January.