A man currently imprisoned at the Dallas County Jail, identified as 51-year-old Yoland J. Washington, has been charged with murder in connection to the disappearance and presumed death of 22-year-old Deundrea Ford from Houston.
Ms. Deundrea Ford went missing on September 22, 2023, after leaving her job at Divas Bikini Bar N Grill in east Houston. She was last seen leaving with an unknown male in a white Ford Transit van. Despite extensive efforts, her body has not been located, and she is presumed dead.
Investigators identified Washington as a suspect in the case through credit card information used at the bar and grill on the night of Ford's disappearance. Surveillance footage also showed Ford and Washington getting into the van. Washington was later located in Virginia after authorities issued an alert for the van. A search warrant for the van revealed clothing with apparent blood stains, and DNA evidence confirmed a mixture of Ford's and Washington's DNA.
During an interview, Washington admitted to meeting Ford at the club and spending time with her in his van before dropping her off. However, he was released pending further investigation.
Washington's connection to the Dallas County Jail arises from DNA evidence linking him to a sexual assault and strangulation case in Dallas on July 23, 2023. The victim in that case survived and reported Washington's actions. Dallas Police charged him with sexual assault, leading to his arrest at his home in New Jersey.Authorities in New Jersey then extradited Washington to Dallas on October 25, 2023. He is now awaiting extradition to Harris County, Texas.
Court documents reveal multiple reports of similar crimes in New Jersey, indicating Washington's extensive history of violent offenses against women, particularly those involved in prostitution. The suspect faces murder charges in the 337th State District Court.
Washington remains in the Dallas County Jail, awaiting extradition to Harris County, as investigations continue.