HOUSTON – A nearly weeklong manhunt has ended with the arrest of Justin Herron in New Mexico, according to sources.
The 31-year-old was wanted in connection with the murder of his 18-year-old pregnant girlfriend last Monday.
Herron was arrested in Albuquerque after authorities said he turned himself in on Saturday.
What happened
Herron is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Patra Perkins, who was eight months pregnant with his child, according to family members.
Perkins' body was found around 11:30 p.m. on Aug.4 in a room at the HomeTowne Studios in northwest Houston on Guhn Road near Fawndale Lane.
According to the autopsy report, the 18-year-old had eight gunshot wounds. Police said there were 16 shell casings were found inside the room, which was rented under Herron’s name.
Herron was out on bond for charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest, according to authorities.
Family's response
Family members told KPRC 2 Perkins was excited to be a mother and her baby shower had been planned to be Sunday. Now they are planning a funeral.
“She had so much to live for," Perkins' sister, Kesharra Perkins said. "And the child ... we will never see our nephew. He will never get the chance to meet his cousins. He will never meet any of us.”
Patra Perkins was approaching her 19th birthday.
After hearing about the charge, her family is hoping for justice.
“It's just horrible. I don’t understand how somebody can be so heartless,” said Patra Perkins' aunt, Sarah Wright.