Tonia Lynn Howerton, 55, a longtime Vidor, Texas resident and geriatric LVN, was found dead inside her home the night of July 31, 2025. Vidor police were dispatched about 10:35 p.m. to the 1900 block of Hickory Drive after a report of a shooting. Officers encountered 64-year-old Robert Charles Howerton outside and detained him; inside a bedroom they discovered Tonia Howerton deceased.

Local reporting says investigators quickly focused on the husband and that a probable cause affidavit quotes him as acknowledging he shot his wife. He was arrested and booked on a murder charge and held on $1,000,000 bond while detectives continued their work. Community remembrances described Tonia as devoted to caring for others and remembered her quiet strength.

If anyone in Vidor knew Tonia or has information about the shooting the police say occurred that night, please share what you know with investigators.