HOUSTON, TX – Authorities in Harris County are on the hunt for a suspect believed to have fatally shot a woman in an ambush late last night. The incident occurred as the woman returned home from an evening out with friends, and the shooter, thought to be her ex-partner, remains at large.
The unsettling scene unfolded around 11:20 p.m. on Upper Lake Drive in Atascocita. A home surveillance system captured the chilling sound of at least five gunshots, followed by footage of a man fleeing the scene with a firearm in hand. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the 39-year-old victim, a Black woman, lying in the front yard, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office believe the gunman lay in wait near the garage, ambushing the victim as she arrived. The suspect is reportedly an ex-partner who may have previously resided in the same home.
Authorities have some leads on the suspect’s identity and are actively pursuing them. Meanwhile, the incident has left the neighborhood on edge. “It’s unnerving when something like this happens so close to home,” said Janice Williams, a neighbor who offered her condolences to the victim’s father.
Williams, who had lived near the victim for about five years, expressed sorrow over the tragic end to her neighbor’s life. “People face so many struggles, and unfortunately, some turn to violence,” she lamented.
The sheriff’s office has yet to confirm the identity of the suspect, although they acknowledge a history of domestic issues between him and the victim. The victim’s identity has not been officially released, as the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Authorities have blurred the suspect’s face in the surveillance footage, as they have not conclusively identified him. The community remains tense as the search continues for the gunman.
This tragic incident underscores the pervasive issue of domestic violence. For those in need, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 support at 1-800-799-7233, or by texting “SAT” to 887-888.