Accused Houston Killer Deeded Home To Ohio Woman Before Attack

PAINESVILLE, OH — Dr. Mark Hausknecht, George H.W. Bush's cardiologist, was gunned down in Houston on July 20 while riding his bicycle. The lone suspect in his killing deeded his house to a Painesville, Ohio woman prior to the attack, according to a new report.

Joseph James Pappas, the accused shooter, deeded his home to an old family-friend, Jeanette Spencer, of Painesville, on July 23. The deed was actually executed in February 2018, but wasn't recorded until July 23, three days after the doctor's death.

“I called him on the 24th and he said he had a terminal illness, and that’s why he deeded (me) the house,” Spencer told the News-Herald.

On July 30, Spencer's daughter was supposed to meet with Pappas while she was in Houston. He didn't show up, but he did text Spencer and tell her that was going to commit suicide, miles from his home. He then gave Spencer detailed instructions for how to secure his home.

Spencer said she immediately tried to call Pappas — a man she's known for more than two decades — but her calls went straight to voicemail.

Police have yet to locate Pappas. On Thursday night, a tipster said they saw a light come on inside his home in the Houston-area and SWAT units quickly surrounded his property. It was a false alarm. Pappas wasn't inside.

Pappas is a 30-year law enforcement veteran. He reportedly wanted revenge for his mother's death during a surgical procedure performed by Hausknecht 20 years earlier. Police believe, with certainty, that Pappas is the doctor's killer. "Evidence has been obtained that ties this man to this crime, and we believe that this absolutely is the killer of Dr. Hausknecht," Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said. "It appears this was a 20-year-old grudge that this man held."

Besides giving Spencer the deed to his house, Pappas also reportedly sold several weapons online before Hausknecht was killed. He listed a semi-automatic rifle, a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, ammunition, ballistic door panels for a Crown Victoria, and two tactical vests on an arms-for-sale website.

Read the full News-Herald report by clicking here.

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Photo from Houston Police Department