Michael "Mike" Stuart Driver, a criminal defense attorney based in Houston, has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of his roommate, Jesse Reyes, at their shared residence on June 27, according to Harris County court records.
Background
The incident occurred just before midnight at a home on Vassar Street in the Boulevard Oaks neighborhood of Houston. Driver and Reyes had been roommates for an extended period, with court records describing Reyes as both Driver's "best friend" and "bodyguard." The two men were involved in an argument that escalated into a physical altercation before the shooting took place.
Houston Police Department investigators say the confrontation became increasingly violent before Driver allegedly shot Reyes once in the chest. Following the shooting, Driver himself called 911 to report the incident, according to court documents obtained by Houston-based ABC affiliate KTRK.
In his 911 call, Driver told dispatchers that Reyes had been attempting to gouge out his left eye during their fight, authorities said. Investigators confirmed there was no dispute about who fired the weapon—the investigation centered on whether Driver's actions constituted self-defense under Texas law.
Neighbors told KTRK that Driver operated his law practice out of the residence and that multiple people lived in the house with frequent visitors coming and going. A woman identifying herself as a friend of both men, who was at the home to "clean up" after Driver's arrest, said she never witnessed any arguments between them during her visits.
The Charges
Driver, 46, is charged with one count of murder in connection with Reyes' death. Harris County prosecutors filed a motion requesting disqualification from the case on Wednesday, noting that the defendant has an immediate relative employed at the Harris County District Attorney's Office—specifically, Driver's brother who currently serves as a prosecutor and is running for a judicial position.
"The Defendant is an immediate relative of an employee of the Harris County District Attorney's Office," the disqualification motion states. "In an abundance of caution, the orderly administration of justice is best served by disqualification of the Harris County District Attorney's Office from the instant proceedings."
If the disqualification is granted, the case would likely be prosecuted by the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office instead.
Driver is being represented by three prominent Texas criminal defense attorneys, including Jed Silverman and Dick DeGuerin. Defense attorney Jed Silverman told KTRK that the evidence would demonstrate self-defense.
"It's an extremely unfortunate situation," Silverman said. "Obviously, he takes it seriously. It's one of the most serious things someone can be accused of. But it's our belief he's not guilty, and that's what the evidence will show."
Defense attorney Dick DeGuerin told the Houston Chronicle that his client fully cooperated with law enforcement following the shooting.
Reyes' girlfriend told KTRK she was satisfied with the murder charge filed against Driver and expressed her desire for prosecution.
Key Takeaways
- Michael "Mike" Stuart Driver, 46, is a criminal defense attorney charged with murdering his roommate of multiple years
- The victim, Jesse Reyes, 48, was described in court records as both Driver's "best friend" and "bodyguard"
- The shooting occurred June 27 at their shared residence on Vassar Street in Houston's Boulevard Oaks neighborhood
- Driver called 911 after the shooting, claiming self-defense that Reyes had been trying to gouge his eye
- Three criminal defense attorneys are representing Driver, including Jed Silverman and Dick DeGuerin
- Harris County DA's office filed for disqualification due to defendant's brother working as a prosecutor in the office
What's Next
A judge has yet to rule on the prosecution's motion to disqualify the Harris County District Attorney's Office from the case. If granted, Fort Bend County prosecutors would assume jurisdiction over the murder charge against Driver. The case remains under investigation by the Houston Police Department Homicide Division.
Driver is being held in Harris County Jail without bond pending further court proceedings.