HOUSTON, TX – A Houston man faces felony charges after allegedly striking his mother multiple times with a hammer before confessing the attack to a friend through an online gaming platform, authorities said.
Police responded Wednesday to a call at a residence on the 18700 block of Holly Way, located in the northwestern part of Harris County. When deputies arrived, they found a 61-year-old woman in the backyard suffering from severe head injuries and unable to speak, officials said.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Robert Babin, reportedly messaged a friend on a gaming app shortly after the attack, stating he was in serious trouble and had assaulted his mother in a moment of anger, according to court records. Babin allegedly told his friend he feared going to prison and was contemplating how to dispose of the weapon and other evidence before authorities arrived.
Records indicate the friend became aware of the messages about two hours after they were sent. Following the online exchange, the friend persuaded Babin to contact law enforcement, leading to emergency responders arriving at the scene.
Medics airlifted the mother, who was critically injured and “barely breathing,” to a local hospital for urgent care. As of Thursday, she remained hospitalized in serious condition.
Investigators initially encountered conflicting statements from Babin, who told authorities he had left his mother napping at home while he ran an errand. He claimed to be unaware of what unfolded until he returned to find police at the scene. However, communications obtained from the gaming platform contradicted his version of events and became key evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Babin has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Authorities remain focused on gathering evidence and determining the full circumstances surrounding the attack. Sheriff’s officials stated that Babin remained in the Harris County Jail as of Friday as the case proceeds.
The incident underscores concerns about family violence and the role of technology in capturing confessions and alerting authorities to emerging emergencies. Police credit the quick action of Babin’s friend in encouraging him to seek help while highlighting the importance of maintaining vigilance both online and offline.
No further details concerning the motive or the victim’s current prognosis were immediately available.