12-year-old says masked gunman signaled him to be quiet before shooting, killing grandmother at SE Houston home, family says

The woman’s adult son was critically injured in the shooting.

HOUSTON – The Garrett family is devastated, trying to process what happened in their home Monday evening after Houston police said a masked man walked in and opened fire, killing a grandmother and wounding her adult son.

Police said Maria Garrett, 69, her 34-year-old son and 12-year-old grandson were inside their home in the 11700 block of Segrest Drive shortly before 7 p.m. when a man entered and immediately began shooting.

Maria Garrett was shot several times and died at the scene. Her son was shot in the stomach and shoulder, and transported to the hospital in critical condition. The grandson was not injured.

Her other son said he doesn’t know why anyone would want to hurt his family.

“I just want people to find this person, please. I just need you guys to please help me find him,” Edward Garrett said in tears. “I want people to help my brother and pray for him please.”

According to the family, the 12-year-old said he saw the intruder walk in the front door, with the masked man signaling him to be quiet. He went to try and tell his uncle, but it was too late.

“I don’t know who came after my family. I don’t know who he is,” Edward Garrett said, adding that his mother was kind and loving and she didn’t deserve any of this.

“She’s a very nice person, she’s a loving grandmother to her grandkids,” he said.

Family members told investigators they were victims of a recent robbery. Garrett said his brother’s car was stolen last week and the gunman was demanding car keys before he began shooting.

“What made you think to do something like that? If you’re out there, please turn yourself in,” he pleaded.

The family is hoping for justice. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.

The Garrett family is now trying to gather money for funeral expenses. Those who would like to help can email edwardgarrett610@gmail.com.


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Prairie View A&M University graduate with a master’s degree in Digital Media Studies from Sam Houston State. Delta woman. Proud aunt. Lover of the color purple. 💜

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