Myron Strambler, 45, Charged in Grisly Murder of Wife, Alicia Michele Strambler, 40, After Fatal Assault in North Houston
HOUSTON, TX – In a devastating case of domestic violence, Myron Lynn Strambler, 45, is in custody at the Harris County Jail, charged with the brutal murder of his wife, 40-year-old Alicia Michele Strambler, at the Moonlight Inn motel located in the 5200 block of Airline Drive. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, November 27, 2024, shocking the local community and prompting renewed conversations about the scourge of intimate partner violence.
Officers with the Houston Police Department’s North Patrol Division were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, they found Myron Strambler outside the motel room, his shirt visibly bloodstained. He was detained without incident. Inside the room, officers discovered Alicia Strambler’s lifeless body, her injuries clearly indicative of a violent and sustained assault.
The Incident Unfolds
According to law enforcement sources, Myron Strambler allegedly called family members shortly after the attack, admitting to the assault and expressing what one relative described as a mix of remorse and anger. Alarmed by his confession, family members immediately alerted police. This swift action allowed officers to respond promptly and apprehend Myron at the scene.
Investigators believe the attack was both prolonged and exceptionally violent. The criminal complaint against Strambler alleges that he used multiple methods to cause Alicia’s death, including striking her repeatedly with his hands, which were considered deadly weapons due to the level of force applied. Additionally, he reportedly slammed her head against the wall and used an unidentified object to inflict further injuries. The combination of these actions resulted in severe trauma that proved fatal.
Emergency medical personnel pronounced Alicia dead at the scene. Preliminary autopsy results have not yet been released, but investigators have described her injuries as “severe and indicative of homicidal violence.”
A History of Violence and Troubled Relationships
Court documents and public records paint a grim picture of Myron Strambler’s past, marked by a history of violence and criminal activity. Notably, Strambler has a prior felony conviction for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Brazoria County, Texas, in 2009. He served time for this offense and was required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
In addition to this conviction, Strambler also has a documented history of domestic violence against Alicia. In a separate incident, he was charged with a misdemeanor for assaulting her, though details of the case suggest it did not result in significant legal consequences at the time. Advocates against domestic violence have pointed to this case as an example of systemic failures to adequately address the dangers posed by repeat offenders.
Family members of Alicia Strambler have since come forward, describing a tumultuous relationship that they believe was marred by escalating violence. One relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared that Alicia had confided in them about her fears but had also expressed hope that Myron could change.
“She loved him,” the relative said. “She wanted to believe he could get better, but this wasn’t the first time he hurt her.”
Scene of the Crime: A Motel Turned Tragedy
The Moonlight Inn, where the murder occurred, is a budget motel known for its transient clientele. Neighbors in the area described hearing loud arguing from the room that evening, but no one intervened or called police until after the assault was already over. Surveillance footage from the motel is being reviewed by investigators to establish a timeline of events leading up to the murder.
One neighbor who lives near the motel said incidents of domestic disputes are not uncommon in the area. “You see people come and go, and sometimes you hear fights, but nothing like this,” he said. “This is just heartbreaking.”
Legal Proceedings Begin
Myron Strambler was officially charged with first-degree murder on November 28, 2024. During his initial court appearance, a judge ordered that he be held without bond, citing the severity of the charges and his prior criminal record. Prosecutors have indicated that they plan to seek the maximum penalty allowable under Texas law.
“This was a brutal and senseless act of violence,” said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg in a statement. “We will ensure that justice is served for Alicia and her loved ones.”
If convicted, Myron Strambler could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, depending on the prosecution’s decision.
Community and Advocacy Group Reactions
The murder of Alicia Strambler has sent shockwaves through the Houston community, with many expressing outrage over the preventable nature of the tragedy. Domestic violence advocacy groups have been vocal in their calls for systemic reforms, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and stricter enforcement of protective measures for victims.
“This case highlights the deadly consequences of unchecked domestic violence,” said Rebecca Martinez, director of the Houston Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition. “We need better resources for survivors, stronger penalties for abusers, and a cultural shift that prioritizes the safety and well-being of those at risk.”
Alicia Strambler’s family has also urged the community to honor her memory by supporting initiatives aimed at combating domestic violence. In a brief statement, they described Alicia as a loving mother, sister, and friend who was devoted to her family and had a passion for helping others.
Broader Implications: Addressing Domestic Violence
Experts say that cases like this one underscore the pervasive and often hidden nature of domestic violence in the United States. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., equating to more than 10 million individuals each year.
Advocates stress that public awareness, coupled with legislative and judicial reforms, is critical in reducing these staggering statistics. They also point to the importance of accessible resources for victims, including shelters, counseling services, and legal aid.
“This is not just a private issue; it’s a public health crisis,” said Dr. Angela Crawford, a psychologist specializing in trauma and domestic violence. “We need to break the cycle of abuse through education, early intervention, and sustained support for survivors.”
Seeking Justice for Alicia
As the investigation into Alicia’s murder continues, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS.
In the meantime, Alicia Strambler’s family, friends, and community are left to mourn her loss and grapple with the circumstances of her death. A vigil is planned for later this week to honor her life and to raise awareness about domestic violence.
“Alicia didn’t deserve this,” said a close friend. “She was kind, loving, and full of life. We won’t let her memory be defined by how she died, but by how she lived.”
This tragedy, while deeply personal, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence in all its forms. Through advocacy, education, and justice, the hope is to create a future where stories like Alicia’s become far less common.
