Houston man receives 25-year sentence for violent kidnapping and carjacking of elderly victim

Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON - A Houston man has been ordered to federal prison after choking a 73-year-old woman as he attempted to steal her car after which he kicked her until she rolled into a local bayou, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Talib Smith, 21, pleaded guilty June 6.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now sentenced Smith to a total of 300 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard about the trauma the victim suffered the night of the kidnapping and the lasting impact it has had on her life. The court also heard that Smith recorded himself during the kidnapping and posted the video of him fleeing to social media.

On May 16, 2023, Smith broke into the Houston home of the elderly victim through a window to get the keys to her vehicle which was parked in her driveway. Once inside, he blindfolded her and tied her feet and hands, then demanded money and the keys. Smith choked her with an electrical cord, assaulted her and stuffed a cloth into her mouth to keep her from screaming or getting help.

Smith then carried the victim to her car and put her in the trunk when she began to lose consciousness. Believing she had died, he later removed her from the trunk and kicked her several times, causing her to roll into a nearby bayou. The victim climbed out and made it to a nearby apartment where the owner called law enforcement.

The victim had multiple injuries to her face, neck and head.

Authorities located the stolen vehicle at a gas station. Smith fled before eventually abandoning the car and fleeing on foot. Upon his arrest, he had the victim’s cash, phone and safety deposit box key.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prison facility to be determined in the near future.

FBI conducted the investigation with the Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Jenkins Stotts prosecuted the case.