4th Update: Third Suspect Charged in 2022 Fatal Shooting at 8404 Safeguard Street

Charges have been filed against a third suspect in the fatal shooting of a man at 8404 Safeguard Street about 12:15 a.m. on December 10, 2022.
The third suspect, Anthony Deshone Smith, 25, is charged with capital murder in the 178th Criminal District Court. A photo of Smith, who is in federal custody, is attached to this news release.
Two other suspects, Derrick Wayne Castille, 28, and Carl Michael McCloud, Jr., 24, charged with capital murder in the 180th and 177th Criminal District Courts, respectively. Booking photos of Castille and McCloud are also attached to this news release.
The victim is identified as James Blanton, 34.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeant A. Dudley and Detective K. Heaverlo reported:
Mr. Blanton was in the driveway of his residence at the above address when he interrupted an apparent home invasion as two armed suspects in masks attempted to enter his home.  Blanton confronted and fought the suspects before he was shot.  The suspects fled the scene on foot and possibly got into a waiting vehicle in the area.
Further investigation identified McCloud as the driver of the vehicle.  He was taken into custody on December 14, 2022 and subsequently charged for his role in the incident.
Additional investigation identified Castille as a second suspect in this case.  He was later charged and arrested.
Detectives later identified Smith as a third suspect. He was charged on April 28, 2026. He is in federal custody and will be extradited to Harris County upon his release.

Anthony Deshone Smith

Derrick Wayne Castille

Carl Michael McCloud, Jr.
4th Update: SOA/JKS      5-1-26
3rd Update: JKS/SOA    1-26-23
2nd Update: JKS/JFC  1-18-23
Update: SOA/JFC   12-16-22
JFC/VHS   12-12-22
Inc #166125622