CRYSTAL BEACH — A 71-year-old man has been arrested on a murder charge in connection with the death of his 74-year-old girlfriend at their Crystal Beach residence, according to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded Oct. 17, 2026, to 1133 Crystal Beach Road after receiving a report of a suicide. Upon arrival, they found Barbara Barraque with a gunshot wound to the chest. Her boyfriend, Robert Brown, who lived with her, was also at the residence.

Brown initially told investigators that Barraque had shot herself, authorities said.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit worked with crime scene investigators to examine the scene, interview individuals and conduct a digital forensic examination of Barraque’s cellphone. Investigators said they uncovered evidence that contradicted Brown’s initial account and established probable cause that Barraque’s death was a homicide.

The case was presented to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, where Violent Crimes Against Women prosecutor Kate Willis reviewed it. An arrest warrant was approved for Brown on a murder charge, with bond set at $400,000, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

On Oct. 23, detectives with the Major Crimes Unit, assisted by the Organized Crime Task Force, conducted surveillance on Brown in Crystal Beach. He was taken into custody and transported to the Galveston County Jail without incident.

The investigation remains active. Authorities said they are not releasing additional details about the evidence or circumstances surrounding Barraque’s death as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.