HUMBLE, Texas – A 16-year-old girl was shot and killed after she was reportedly held captive inside her northeast Harris County home by her mother’s boyfriend, deputies with Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.
It happened Friday morning in the 2400 block of Canton Trace Lane in Humble.
Neighbors couldn’t believe the news and wanted answers about the teen’s tragic death.
“It was a tragedy. It was such a shock being so close around my house,” a neighbor said.
“It’s right next door and happened a few feet away from me. It’s crazy,” neighbor Mondel Madison said.
The father of the 16-year-old identified her as Lauren Juma, a junior who attended Nimitz High School. He told KPRC 2 she was a good kid and had aspirations to become a police officer or enter the military.
Madison, who lived next door to Lauren, said the two of them were best friends.
“I met her in the 7th grade when she first moved here. We were all cool, used to play basketball and chill, but she was cool, nice, and very loving,” Madison said.
According to HCSO investigator Sgt. Wolfford, Harris County Pct. 4 Constable deputies responded to a weapons disturbance call at around 1:05 a.m. after Lauren’s older sister apparently called 911 and told dispatchers that Lauren was held captive at gunpoint inside her home by her mother’s boyfriend.
Update to shooting on Canton Trace: info is still preliminary and investigation is underway. deceased victim is believed to be a teen female (16). An adult male at the location was detained. https://t.co/PjucWdTg5I
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 29, 2022
When Pct. 4 deputies arrived, Sgt. Wolfford said they heard one gunshot from inside the residence followed by screaming and a second gunshot.
Immediately after, a man, who appeared to be the boyfriend, exited the home and faced deputies, Sgt. Wolfford said. The man, who was later identified as Van Brisbon, 60, was taken into custody.
“I didn’t know him. I have seen him and he used to always have the garage open. He used to just stare out. I didn’t think anything about it,” neighbor Thomas Hendricks said.
HCSO deputies entered the home and found Lauren shot multiple times inside. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brisbon was later charged with murder, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez wrote via Twitter.
The family started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. If you would like to help, click here.
2nd update to Canton Trace scene: a female called 911 and stated her mother’s boyfriend was holding her & her 16-yr-old sister captive, at gunpoint, inside the residence. Deputies arrived on scene & heard gunshots as they approached the front door. An adult male, identified
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 29, 2022
1/2 https://t.co/ynMbukkdgN
Aldine Independent School District released the following statement:
This morning, the district was notified of the death of one of our Nimitz High School students who passed away early Friday morning. We are deeply saddened to hear of her passing.
Our community mourns her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones and friends during this very difficult time.
Counselors and the district’s crisis team have been mobilized to respond to this tragic event and will be available to students and staff to assist them during this difficult time.