Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Dispute Burial topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident asks council for help after alleged fraudulent deed and backyard burial; HPD investigating
Summary
A Houston resident told the council that family property was the site of a disputed deed and a burial in the yard; council members said the case is under active HPD investigation and suggested legal and health code avenues.
A woman representing her 95‑year‑old mother told the Houston City Council on May 13 that family property in Acres Home had been the subject of a disputed deed, ongoing occupancy by other family members, and the burial of a relative in the backyard.
"This is not a civil matter. This is criminal," said Linda Gamble, who said she was speaking to protect her mother's rights after the family discovered what she described as a fraudulent deed and an unpermitted burial on the property. Gamble told the council the property had been held by her family for decades and that the apparent probate and paperwork changes began in August of the prior year.
Gamble said she and her family had pursued eviction court and discovered the burial during that process. "We have a dead body on our property," she said. She added she could not afford the legal fees to quiet title and that the situation included individuals on the property who appear to have claimed the land as a cemetery. Gamble said she had contacted multiple city and state offices, and that the family had already filed complaints with state officials.
Council member Sarah Peck (Council member Peck) told Gamble that Houston Police Department homicide and major offenders divisions were investigating and that the council would ask for updates. Another council member said health‑code enforcement could also be relevant if a burial occurred without proper protocols.
Council members directed staff to contact the relevant law‑enforcement and public‑health units and to follow up with the speaker. No formal council motion or vote was recorded during public comment.
Background and next steps: The speaker said she had submitted photographs, deeds and other documents to council staff. Council members recommended pursuing criminal investigation leads through HPD, and they noted potential health‑code and probate avenues. The speaker said eviction proceedings and probate filings were underway in court, and she asked for immediate help communicating with investigative units.
