HOUSTON (May 17, 2011)—Marlon Thomas, 35, whose headless body was found Sunday evening outside of a vacant home in Houston, had been shot to death, the Harris County Medical Examiner Office said Tuesday.

Noe Gerardo Morin remained in custody Tuesday, charged in the death of Thomas, who was his longtime roommate.

Officers found Thomas’ dismembered body at around 7 p.m. Sunday at a vacant home after receiving a 911 call from a woman who spotted the remains in the backyard of the residence.

The headless body was also missing an arm.

Officers found the head and arm in a trash bag beneath a home supported by cinder blocks, next door.

A chainsaw was found next to the bag containing the body parts.

Medical examiner’s office spokeswoman Roxanne Mena said Tuesday an autopsy determined the death was a homicide and that the cause was a gunshot wound to the head.

Neighbors described Thomas and Morin as having been best friends for years and suggested a possible argument over money or theft of property might have led to the slaying and dismemberment.