Schodack, New York – A 41-year-old man wanted for the murder of his 76-year-old mother was apprehended by US Marshals on Christmas Eve at a motel in upstate New York, authorities confirmed. The fatal incident has shaken the Lower East Side community and raised questions about prior supervision of the suspect.
Suspect Taken Into Custody After Brief Standoff
Wei Hou, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, was tracked to the Castle Inn in Schodack, just south of Albany, where he was staying following the alleged killing of his mother, Zhu Hou, during a family dispute on Dec. 18, 2025, in Knickerbocker Village.
The US Marshals Service said Hou was taken into custody after a brief standoff, during which he threatened to harm himself. Authorities treated him for unspecified injuries sustained during the arrest before he was scheduled to be turned over to the New York Police Department later that evening.
Fatal Attack Details
Police discovered Zhu Hou’s body on Dec. 19 in the hallway of her seventh-floor apartment, next to a bloodied skateboard, according to sources. The victim’s oldest son called 911, prompting authorities to respond.
Sources indicated that Hou and his mother had previous clashes, and the deadly argument escalated during the family dispute. Hou was sought on second-degree murder charges following the incident.
Criminal History and Prior Supervision
Authorities revealed that Hou had a lengthy criminal history across multiple states and was under the supervision of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision at the time of the killing.
State records indicate that Hou had previously been convicted of third-degree possession of a controlled substance, receiving a sentence of up to two years in prison. However, he was released after serving just four months on Oct. 14, 2025.
Officials noted that Hou’s past record and prior supervision are under review as part of the investigation.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest comes as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal family dispute. Cops have referred all questions about the arrest to the US Marshals Service, which coordinated Hou’s capture.
Residents of Knickerbocker Village expressed shock at the incident, noting the tragic nature of a family conflict escalating to lethal violence.
Authorities emphasized that Hou is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and the investigation is ongoing.
How can communities and authorities better monitor individuals with prior criminal histories to prevent tragedies? What resources could help families dealing with escalating domestic disputes?
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