Sept. 26 Murder Suspect Arrested

DENTON, TX, Sept. 29, 2021 – The Denton Police Department has arrested 38-year-old Tony Brett Mason in connection to the murder that occurred on September 26 in the 1900 block of North Ruddell Street. Mason confessed to investigators that he shot his 22-year-old roommate, recently identified as Isaiah Dre’von Harpe, numerous times in the apartment they shared.

Late this evening, investigators arrested Mason in the 3400 block of E. Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth on an outstanding Denton PD warrant for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon. A firearm was also found in Mason’s possession at the time of this arrest. He was transported back to the City of Denton Jail without incident, where he was interviewed by investigators. During the interview, Mason provided investigators with a full confession. He confessed to shooting his roommate numerous times following a verbal argument, and admitted the firearm investigators recovered during his arrest was the firearm he used to kill Harpe.

At the conclusion of the interview investigators applied for a murder warrant, which was signed by a judge. Mason remains in the City of Denton Jail on both the Possession of a Firearm by Felon and Murder charges.

We would like to commend the detectives from our Major Crimes Unit, who led this investigation and worked swiftly to both identify and apprehend this suspect. We would also like to thank the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force (which consists of both Denton PD and Denton County personnel), and the Fort Worth Police Department, who assisted in Mason’s arrest. Finally, we are grateful to all the witnesses and members of the public who came forward and provided tips to our investigators; you are an important part of our team.

Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Isaiah Harpe.

For Media Inquiries, Please Contact: Allison Beckwith (940) 349-8558