A high-end burglar, who disappeared after the first day of his trial and remains a fugitive, was convicted of stealing more than $500,000 worth of jewelry from a Houston-area home and sentenced to 25 years in prison, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
“Someone knows where he is hiding. Let’s get him off the streets and behind bars, where the jury says he should be” Ogg said. “If you know something, please do the right thing, which could also lead to you collecting a reward.”
Malik Travon Barlow,26, led Houston Police on a high-speed chase following the burglary back in January 2019 and escaped from officers, but was captured days later.
Among the items that remain missing is a pearl necklace that is a family heirloom. A member of the U.S. military who served in World War II bought it in Japan for his niece and gave it to her upon his return to the United States. It had been in the family ever since. The piece is unique, as it has a large pearl in the center and then pearls of gradually smaller sizes on each side.
Barlow was convicted Thursday following a two-day trial. He was there when the trial started but did not return after the first day. He had been free on bond while awaiting trial.
The trial continued without him. The jury took about two hours to convict him of Theft and Evading Arrest and another two hours to sentence him.
Prior to this trial, he had also been convicted of felony charges for burglary and evading arrest.
“The defendant graduated from petty theft to breaking into homes, where he would target wealthy individuals,” said Assistant District Attorney Charles Hagerman, who prosecuted the case. “We thank the jurors for their service.”
The Houston Police Department investigated the case. Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Barlow’s capture. Call 713-222-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
Barlow was born in Louisiana and has relatives in the Houston area.
