Houston, Texas – A 22-year-old woman who went missing back in September 2023 has now led to the arrest of a suspect, according to official documents. The suspect, Yoland J. Washington, 51, has been charged with murder and is currently in custody at the Dallas County Jail. Authorities have filed charges against Washington in connection to the presumed death of Deaundra Ford, although her body has not been found.
Surveillance video from Sept. 22, 2023, captured Ford leaving her job at Diva’s Bikini Bar and Grill with an unidentified man in a white Ford Transit van. The next day, Ford’s family reported her missing, expressing concerns as it was unusual for her to leave without notice, especially considering she had a 4-year-old son.
Further investigation led to the identification of Washington as a suspect in the case, with evidence possibly linking him to Ford’s death. Court documents revealed that Washington allegedly paid Ford $200 for sex the night she went missing. Ford had been the main witness in a capital murder case involving a former detention center officer, making her disappearance all the more alarming.
An ominous text message from the suspects involved in the capital murder case raised additional concerns, stating that Ford was not safe in Houston. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the case to come forward and help with the investigation. They can contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. This case continues to unfold as investigators work to find answers and bring justice to Deaundra Ford and her family.