Houston police have arrested and charged 52-year-old Lee Carter, a local real estate broker and rapper known as “Viper,” with aggravated kidnapping. The arrest follows the discovery of a woman allegedly held captive in Carter’s garage for an extended period. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed for safety reasons, was rescued at a Houston-area motel on Thursday, culminating in a harrowing investigation.
Houston Police Commander Michael Collins expressed deep concern, stating, “It makes me sick as a human being. I can tell you as a police department, we are here for the citizens of Houston, we are here for the community, and we are here to make sure that this individual and her family get justice.”
Court documents reveal that the victim’s ordeal began approximately four or five years ago when she encountered Carter while pregnant and panhandling. Allegedly offering assistance, Carter instead trapped her in his home’s garage, subjecting her to heinous acts, including repeated sexual assaults and coercing her into drug use.
The victim detailed her captivity, describing the minimal sustenance provided – snacks and chips – and infrequent opportunities to shower. Attempts to escape were met with force, and on one occasion when she did manage to break free, Carter retrieved her from a hospital, securing the garage to prevent future escapes.
In a chilling revelation, court documents disclose that despite her dire circumstances, Carter allowed the woman to use his laptop, enabling her to contact 911 via the Text Now application. Police found her emaciated, weighing only 70 pounds, with deplorable living conditions in the garage, including a makeshift toilet, a vomit-covered mattress, and meager snacks.
The documents, however, remain silent on whether the woman gave birth during her captivity or the fate of any potential child.
The alarming nature of the case is heightened by the revelation that the police received eight calls for service at Carter’s residence in the past year, indicating a history of disturbances or concerns raised by the community.
Lee Carter is currently in custody with a $100,000 bond, awaiting further legal proceedings. The authorities continue to work diligently to ensure the victim’s safety and privacy as the investigation unfolds.
