12 Crimes That Changed Houston History

Houstonia looks back at 12 of the most notorious crimes to come out of this particular stretch of the Texas Gulf Coast—crimes that changed our history forever. Bizarre murders, political bribery, revenge plots, corporate bankruptcies: This city has borne witness to a host of over-the-top criminal misdeeds. Plus: Our annual list of the top attorneys in town, and a story of unconditional love.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Visual Art

This New Book Chronicles Texas’s Rich Legacy of Outsider Art

Outsider Art in Texas highlights the work of 11 Lone Star artists who both struggled against and were inspired by a deep sense of isolation, whether self- or state-imposed.

11/26/2018 By Chris Gray

Eat & Drink

The Drawl

What Your Favorite Holiday Cookies Mean to Their Bakers

The stories behind the sugary treats.

11/26/2018 By Timothy Malcolm

10 Restaurants For Any Occasion In Rice Village

Whether you're searching for fast food or fine dining, Rice Village has it all.

11/26/2018 By Timothy Malcolm

Pour

This Is the Hot Chocolate-Coffee Combo You're Looking For

The Maya Mocha at Campesino Coffee will please even the toughest abuelos.

11/26/2018 By Timothy Malcolm

Restaurant Review

Don't Underestimate These Casual Heights Hangouts

At La Lucha and Blackbird Izakaya , unpretentious, seriously great grub.

11/26/2018 By Timothy Malcolm

Editor’s Note

Editor's Note

The Story of a Tiny Wreath and a Heaping Helping of Joy

Even gnomes need holiday cheer.

11/26/2018 By Catherine Matusow

News & City Life

Houston's Darkest Hours

12 Crimes That Changed Houston History Forever

Bizarre murders, political bribery, revenge plots, corporate bankruptcies: This city has borne witness to a host of over-the-top criminal misdeeds, whose stories Houstonians have been telling and retelling for years.

11/26/2018 By Houstonia Staff

Houston's Darkest Hours

If the Shoe Fits: A Courtroom and a City Captivated by the So-Called Stiletto Murder

Ana Trujillo allegedly tore her shoe off her foot and bashed it into her boyfriend's head some 25 times.

11/26/2018 By Abby Ledoux

Houston's Darkest Hours

Tainted Love: The Astronaut Love Triangle That Led to Adult Diapers and Battery

When astronaut Bill Oefelein dumped fellow astronaut Lisa Nowak for someone else, Nowak didn't exactly take it well.

11/26/2018 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Houston's Darkest Hours

How Enron Rose and Fell

The story of a company's collapse, and the CEO who insisted he wasn't responsible

11/26/2018 By Dianna Wray

Houston's Darkest Hours

It Comes to a Head: When Robert Durst Washed Up in Galveston

It wasn’t long before the horrors that seemed to follow the wealthy New York real estate heir popped up in Texas—this time, in black garbage bags.

11/26/2018 By Laura Furr Mericas

Houston's Darkest Hours

How the Railroad Killer Reached the End of the Line

The serial killer who nudged aside Osama bin Laden on the FBI Most Wanted list

11/26/2018 By Morgan Kinney

Houston's Darkest Hours

The Mom Who'd Stop at Nothing to Get Her Daughter on the Cheerleading Team

When your daughter doesn't have a chance of making the squad, what do you do? Solicit murder, of course.

11/26/2018 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Houston's Darkest Hours

When Death Came to the Alley Theatre—and Not on the Stage

Iris Siff was working late inside her office when a man entered and strangled her with a phone cord.

11/26/2018 By Morgan Kinney

Houston's Darkest Hours

The Candy Man Who Wasn't So Sweet After All

Dean Corll was known for passing out sweets to kids in the Heights. But he turned out to be one of the most brutal, calculating serial killers of the 20th century.

11/26/2018 By Timothy Malcolm