Suspect in deadly stabbing surrenders after police release surveillance photos, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Joshua Byers, the man who prosecutors believe stabbed Ambrosia Swain to death on Dec. 8, was arrested the day after the Houston Police Department released surveillance photos.

According to HPD, he turned himself in.

“Guilt, I mean, what else? You know, he must’ve seen something. I hope the guilt got to him,” Swain’s cousin, Kihla Brandes, said.

For family members, the arrest doesn’t soften the pain and agony of losing someone to an act of violence.

“Just the fact that he’s behind bars and everyone else is safe, unless you know, in case it happens again. But other than that, it doesn’t feel any different. She’s still gone. It still hurts. It doesn’t make it hurt less,” Brandes said.

Investigators say the incident happened along Hahlo Street in the Denver Harbor neighborhood. HPD says Byers was spotted with her moments before she was found.

Houston police haven’t revealed a connection between the two.

As ABC13 works to learn more about the investigation, Swain’s family is sharing her story, describing her as artsy, creative, and a good aunt who put others before herself.

With Christmas just a few days away, her family says the holiday just won’t be the same.

“We had a secret Santa planned, a little gathering of the cousins and our kids, secret Santa planned. And now, I don’t know if everyone is up to showing up, and that’s OK. But, it’s just not going to feel fair.”

While Byers didn’t have much to say in court, Swain’s loved ones do have a message for the alleged killer.

“I hope you realize who you took. You took from so many, so many people when you took her,” Byers said.

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