HOUSTON – The family of a suspect on the run said they do not believe their brother killed his common-law wife, despite the body of the 28-year-old woman being discovered with a gunshot wound by deputy constables on Monday.
Deputies said it happened at a home located in the 5900 block of Cypresswood Green Drive.
According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Precinct 4 units responded to the initial call about the shooting.
Gonzalez said the woman was found dead with a possible gunshot wound and that the suspect, who is believed to be the victim’s boyfriend or husband, fled the scene.
As investigators search for the suspect, his sister, Sandra Landry, says he is not a monster.
“Yes, we are all sadden about what happened to my sister-in-law,” Landry said. “We all loved her and my nieces and nephews. But, to sit here and paint my brother as a killer, and to sit here and lie about him being abusive? No.”
Tensions were high at points throughout the day as the victim’s relatives were moving items out of the home.
Harris County deputies said a woman called authorities and told them her brother and the woman were in the home fighting.
Five children between the ages of 3 and 8 years old were in the home during the time of the shooting, deputies said. Authorities said they are not sure if the kids are the victim’s children, the suspect’s, or both of their biological children.
The children are OK and with family members at this time, investigators said.
According to deputies, there have been issues at the home before. Investigators said the man was out on bond for some type of family violence/terroristic threat.
Deputies are now working to get a warrant to search inside the home. A search for the suspect is also underway.