A self-proclaimed minister's attempt to squat in a foreclosed southwest Houston home ended in his arrest after three days of trying to make the property his own. The suspect, identified as Kafil Tunsill, was caught on camera by police who were investigating suspicious activity at the home on Monday afternoon.
According to veteran real estate attorney Dennis McQueen, Tunsill had filed several deeds and mechanic's liens with Harris County Clerk's office, claiming ownership of the property. However, court records show that the bank that owns the house is the rightful owner through foreclosure, and Tunsill's claims are invalid.
Tunsill tried to break into the home by breaking a back door, but police were able to catch him after he parked his car in the garage on Tuesday afternoon. Despite being given a trespass warning, Tunsill returned for the second time on Wednesday, this time with new deed documents that he attempted to show police.
However, after several hours of negotiations, the bank pressed charges and Tunsill was arrested for trespassing. McQueen explained that banks often take months to sell foreclosed properties, leaving them vulnerable to squatters like Tunsill who know how to exploit loopholes in the system.
McQueen warned that neighbors must remain vigilant in such situations as squatters may use extensive paperwork to confuse investigators or claim divine ownership of the property. Tunsill's behavior on social media, where he claims to teach others about preserving divine property rights, raises concerns about his motives and potential connections with other squatters.
The house is currently under contract with a legitimate buyer, but McQueen warned that Tunsill's numerous claims of ownership could impact the sale, potentially causing delays or complications.
According to veteran real estate attorney Dennis McQueen, Tunsill had filed several deeds and mechanic's liens with Harris County Clerk's office, claiming ownership of the property. However, court records show that the bank that owns the house is the rightful owner through foreclosure, and Tunsill's claims are invalid.
Tunsill tried to break into the home by breaking a back door, but police were able to catch him after he parked his car in the garage on Tuesday afternoon. Despite being given a trespass warning, Tunsill returned for the second time on Wednesday, this time with new deed documents that he attempted to show police.
However, after several hours of negotiations, the bank pressed charges and Tunsill was arrested for trespassing. McQueen explained that banks often take months to sell foreclosed properties, leaving them vulnerable to squatters like Tunsill who know how to exploit loopholes in the system.
McQueen warned that neighbors must remain vigilant in such situations as squatters may use extensive paperwork to confuse investigators or claim divine ownership of the property. Tunsill's behavior on social media, where he claims to teach others about preserving divine property rights, raises concerns about his motives and potential connections with other squatters.
The house is currently under contract with a legitimate buyer, but McQueen warned that Tunsill's numerous claims of ownership could impact the sale, potentially causing delays or complications.