RICHARDSON, TX – An elderly resident of the Dallas suburb of Richardson is facing murder charges after allegedly using a shotgun to kill his roommate following a verbal altercation, authorities say.
Douglas Ervin, 81, is accused of shooting his 59-year-old roommate, Gregory Johnson, last Thursday evening at their shared home on Wake Drive.
After the incident, Ervin reportedly called 911 to confess to the shooting, speaking calmly and indicating that Johnson was already dead when asked about his condition.
Police were dispatched to the scene, where they apprehended Ervin without any complications. Inside the residence, a shotgun was discovered, which authorities believe was used in the fatal shooting. A third roommate was present at the time but was unharmed.
When law enforcement officers arrived, Ervin allegedly directed them to “the guy I shot” in response to inquiries about who else was inside the house. Officers found Johnson’s body just outside a bedroom.
The incident reportedly stemmed from ongoing disputes between the two men. Ervin allegedly told investigators that a rude comment from Johnson, made as he passed by Ervin’s bedroom, led to the violent encounter. Ervin characterized Johnson as a troublesome roommate, citing behaviors like leaving doors open and keeping lights on.
Despite these grievances, authorities note that Ervin admitted Johnson was unarmed and did not pose any immediate threat to him at the time of the shooting.
Ervin is currently being held in the Dallas County Jail, with his bond set at $200,000. The motive behind the dispute remains under investigation as detectives seek to understand the dynamics between the roommates that culminated in such a tragic event.