KPRC 2 presents new investigative documentary, โThe Two Sides of Sarahโ
When 48-year-old Sarah Hartsfield was indicted for murdering her fifth husband in February, stories from across the country about the mother of fourโs past started surfacing and unraveling a twisted web. This investigative documentary comes as Hartsfield is indicted for murder, awaiting trial in Chambers County, and in jail on a $4.5 million bond.
โShow things in a positive light for meโ: Sarah Hartsfield responds after seeing KPRC 2 story from jail
After sharing her first public statement with KPRC 2, Sarah Hartsfield is responding to the story she watched on a small TV from the Chambers County Jail on Thursday night, continuing to declare her innocence and railing against KPRC 2โฒs coverage of her case.
โSurprised I got out of the marriage aliveโ: Woman accused of killing husband was feared by other partners, sheriff says
In December, Sarah Hartsfield told a friend that her husband and marriage had become a โnightmareโ and that she had a plan to get out, according to private Facebook messages the friend provided to NBC News.
Woman accused of killing Texas husband also suspected of plotting to murder ex-husbandโs new wife, court docs reveal
Sarah Hartsfield, a Chambers County woman who has been married five times, is accused of murdering her most recent husband. She also fatally shot her fiancรฉe in 2018, an investigation Minnesota prosecutors have reopened.
Ex-boyfriend of accused Texas husband killer Sarah Jean Hartsfield says he had suspicious house fire after break-up
An ex-boyfriend of Sarah Jean Hartsfield, the Chambers County woman who has been married five times and is accused of murdering her most recent husband as well as fatally shooting a past fiancรฉe, tells KPRC 2 their relationship ended in literal flames in 2016.
Prosecutors: Chambers County woman indicted after husband dies from โsuspicious illnessโ also killed past fiancรฉ
A woman who was recently indicted following the sudden and suspicious death of her Beach City husband was previously under investigation for the shooting death of her fiancรฉ in Minnesota.
Chambers County woman indicted after husband dies from โsuspicious illnessโ shot past fiancรฉe to death in โself-defenseโ
A woman who was recently indicted following the sudden and suspicious death of her Beach City husband was previously under investigation for the shooting death of her fiancรฉe in Minnesota.
Major weight loss may help with outcomes of COVID-19
Despite recommendations to postpone elective procedures at some points during the pandemic, weight loss surgeon Dr. Tanya Kajese with UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann said thatโs actually been the motivation for a lot more patients to proceed with bariatric surgery because theyโre at risk for severe disease.
Investigation underway after girl struck by stray bullet at stadium during high school football game, officials say
An investigation is underway after a juvenile was struck in the leg by a possible stray bullet while at the Buccaneer Stadium during a sub-varsity football game between East Chambers and Anahuac high schools, according to the Chambers County Sheriffโs Office.
VIDEOS, PHOTOS: This is what the Houston area looks like as Hurricane Nicholas moves in
The Houston area is bracing for Tropical Storm Nicholas and many KPRC 2 Insiders and viewers are sharing images of their area as the weather moves in. Here are some of the images we are seeing that caught our attention.
Lineman dead, another critical following 100-foot fall in Chambers County
One man is dead and another is injured after they were involved in an industrial accident in Chambers County. MONT BELVIEU, Texas โ One man is dead and another is injured after they were involved in an industrial accident in Chambers County. According to the Chambers County Sheriffโs Office, deputies, as well as the Mont Belvieu Police and Fire departments and EMS, were called out to the Mont Belvieu area near FM 1942 and Hatcherville Road around half past midnight. One of the linemen was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was taken to a hospital via Life Flight, where he remains in critical condition, authorities said.
Texas woman who received $9,300 electricity bill files class-action lawsuit against wholesale electricity provider Griddy
A Chambers County resident filed a class-action lawsuit against electricity retailer Griddy on Monday, accusing the provider of price gouging customers during last weekโs freeze. Griddy drafted payments from Khouryโs bank account several times, according to the lawsuit, pulling $1,200 before she blocked further charges from her bank. Griddy passes wholesale electricity rates directly to customers, who in turn pay the company $10 a month. While electricity bills are likely to rise across the board, Texans on variable rate plans faced immediate and alarmingly high prices. โAt Griddy, transparency has always been our goal,โ the company began a blog post on Thursday explaining the price hike.
Chambers County woman files class-action suit against Griddy, claims company was price gouging during storm
The Griddy app displays the current wholesale electricity price on a phone in this 2019 file photo. HOUSTON โ A Chambers County woman has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the electric company, Griddy. This is not the first time Griddy customers have felt the effects of extreme weather on the electric bills. This means that if the companyโs wholesale price goes up, the customerโs price goes up as well. Itโs unclear how many other Texans also pay wholesale prices from other companies.
Chambers County opens coronavirus vaccine pre-registration
ANAHUAC, Texas โ Chambers County officials opened pre-registration for coronavirus vaccine appointments Wednesday and the slots were filled within about an hour. To access the online portal, people could click here or call 409-267-2460. Registration is required to receive the shot. Walkups or drive-ups will not be accepted. The county does not have a waitlist, officials said.
Texas Gov. Abbott hosts roundtable discussion, provides COVID-19 update with Houston health care professionals
Greg Abbott held a roundtable discussion and deliver remarks alongside health care professionals on Tuesday at Houston Methodist Hospital. Following the roundtable, Abbott held a brief news conference and provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Some Harris County vaccinations were supposed to start today. However, Harris County officials say they were delayed until Wednesday because of logistical issues. Chambers County officials said they have a limited number of vaccines and pre-registration will be required.
List of coronavirus vaccine hubs in Houston-area
A droplet falls from a syringe after a health care worker was injected with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, R.I., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/David Goldman)The Texas Department of State Health Services has designated dozens of coronavirus vaccine hubs across the state. Hereโs a list of the designated vaccine hubs in the Greater Houston area. Please note that just because a location has been designated a hub does not mean that the vaccine is being administered at that location. Officials in each county are responsible for developing plans to administer the vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccine arrives in smaller counties in Houston region, including Chambers County
HOUSTON โ The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in some of the smaller counties in the Houston region, including Chambers County. The first doses of the Moderna vaccine were administered to 20 medical workers, paramedics and health department staffers at the Patients Emergency Room near Mont Belvieu on Sunday, according to Chambers County Public Information Officer Samantha Humphrey. โWeโre really excited to have this vaccine because itโs a light at the end of the tunnel for us,โ Humphrey said. So far, the stateโs online dashboard shows only 60 people in Chambers County have received at least one shot. The county said the two locations that were still waiting on the vaccines are a medical clinic and pharmacy but the county did not know why they had not arrived yet.
Chambers County receives first shipments of Modernaโs coronavirus vaccine
CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas โ Multiple healthcare facilities across Chambers County received the first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, according to a news release. The 1,000 doses will be given to health care workers who have been working on the front line throughout the pandemic. โDSHS has established an Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP) who predetermines what populations will receive the vaccine and in what order. Nursing home residents and workers will be vaccinated through federal pharmacy partnerships, the county said. According to the county, the second phase of vaccinations is expected to begin in January, if the vaccine supply allows.
Relaxed restrictions rolled back in 4 Houston-area counties with high COVID-19 hospitalizations
HOUSTON โ Relaxed restrictions were rolled back Tuesday in some Houston-area counties where coronavirus-related hospitalizations remain high. A similar change was implemented in the Trauma Service Area that includes Dallas earlier this month. Galveston County asks for exemptionHenry said he has sent three requests for Galveston County to be exempt from the tighter restrictions, but those requests have gone unanswered. He said that hospitals in Galveston County are taking patients from the surrounding area and only 65 county residents are hospitalized with COVID-19. He said the Galveston County District Attorney has said he will likely not accept charges related to violations of the order.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Friday, Dec. 11
Here are things for you to know for Friday, Dec. 11:1. Firefighters battle large wildfires at national wildlife refuge in Chambers CountyU.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said they are battling three large wildfires Thursday in the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in southern Chambers County. 2 Texans become millionaires within 2 days with Texas Lottery scratch ticketsTwo Texas Lottery players became millionaires in a span of two days, KSAT reported. A resident in San Antonio claimed the $5 million prize with a $200 Million Ca$h scratch ticket from Texas Lottery this week, Texas Lottery officials announced last Monday, while another San Antonio-area resident claimed the top prize playing the $1,000,000 Extreme Cash game the next day.
Firefighters battle large wildfires at national wildlife refuge in Chambers County
HOUSTON โ U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said they are battling three large wildfires Thursday in the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in southern Chambers County. Ryan Holzapfel, fire marshal for Chambers County, said multiple resources have been called to the scene by federal officials, but the county has not been asked for assistance. The cause of the fire is unknown and no injuries have been reported.
Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead in drainage ditch in Chambers County, deputies say
CHAMBRS COUNTY, Texas โ The Chambers County Sheriffโs Office is asking for the publicโs assistance in an ongoing murder investigation. On arrival, deputies located the body of a woman, later identified as that of Dayton, TX resident Angela McGirr, 46, in a drainage ditch. Detectives are investigating the incident as a homicide due to the suspicious circumstances and the manner of death, according to the Chambers County Sheriffโs Office. There is a possibility the homicide occurred outside of Chambers County and the body was transported and left in the jurisdiction, investigators said in a release from the sheriffโs office. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Paul Vest with the Chambers County Sheriffโs Office at (409) 267-2500 or Crime Stoppers at (844) 860-8477.
Here are propositions some Houston-area voters must decide on Tuesday
Not only must voters decide on the presidency, Senate and local leaders but also bonds and civil service propositions. This proposed increase to the tax rate will require voter approval, but still decrease the overall school tax rate by 3.71 cents, because of state-mandated tax compression. Chambers and HarrisBaytown Crime Control & Prevention Dist. Baytown Fire Control & Prevention Dist. The tax expires on the fourth anniversary of the date of this election unless the imposition of the tax is reauthorized."
Sheriff asks for help identifying body found in Dutton Lake
CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas โ The body of a man was found floating in Dutton Lake in Beach City Tuesday, according to the Chambers County Sheriffโs Office. On arrival, detectives determined the body had been in the water for an extended period of time. Forensic anthropologists have not yet determined a cause of death but investigators believe the body was dumped in the lake, according to the Chambers County Sheriffโs Office. The Chamberโs County Sheriffโs Office asked for the publicโs help identifying the victim, who is described as a white male weighing 150 pounds and standing 6โฒ0โฒ' tall and believed to be between 40 and 60 years old. Anyone with information regarding the identity or death of the victim is urged to call the Chambers County Sheriffโs Office at (409) 267-2500 or Chambers County Crime Stoppers at (844) 860-8477.
Bars in Fort Bend, Chambers counties can reopen at 50% capacity starting Wednesday
HOUSTON โ Bars in Fort Bend County and Chambers County are being allowed to reopen Wednesday. Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George said he will be submitting paperwork to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to allow bars in the county to reopen at 50% capacity. โItโs very easy to blame the bars (but) itโs not the bars, itโs not the customers -- itโs the bar owners," Wechter said. While neighboring counties are deciding to reopen its bars at 50% capacity, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said its county bars will remain closed until the virus is under control.
Suspected serial scammer in Houston-area arrested again as victims describe litany of scams
Chad Skelton was arrested in Chambers County this week on several charges, including theft, deceptive business practices, and fraudulent use and possession of personal ID information. Both men say they paid Skelton hundreds of dollars for pre-employment screenings and then never heard from him again. Melissa Harpster, the secretary at First Baptist Church Highlands, said Skelton told her he was a soldier about to be deployed and needed some money. โHe called up and said he was in the military and that he was helping the people in Louisiana from the hurricane,โ Harpster explained. โAltogether, we gave him over $300.โChannel 2 Investigates other law enforcement agencies may be looking into Skeltonโs recent activities.
A Few Laura Lessons
Houston, TX Just a few notes today on Hurricane Laura and what we can all glean from last week. The Canadian and ICON models preferred Texas. THE EUROPEAN MODELThe CANADIAN MODELTHE ICON INTENSITY MODELSo it was the American Model with the correct forecast. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FORECAST from when Laura entered the Gulf never varied very much and was spot onNOW WHAT? A viewer asked me if now because of Marco and Laura, the Gulf of Mexico has cooled down.
KPRC 2 reporters are covering severe weather from Chambers County to Lake Charles, Louisiana. Heres what they saw Wednesday evening
HOUSTON With all eyes on the Gulf of Mexico and Hurricane Laura fast approaching, residents along the coast, from Chambers County to Louisiana, are preparing for the worst. As Lauras path approaches, residents and local leaders are taking preemptive measures to stay safe. Your resource guideLatest forecast updates from KPRC 2 MeteorologistsLive blog following all the latest updates, closures, and moreLIST: These are all the evacuation orders in place in the Houston areaLIVE SOCIAL FEED: What Houstons experts are saying about Laura and Marco right nowHere is KPRC2s 2020 Hurricane & Flood Survival GuideKPRC 2s reporters visited areas all along the Gulf Coast to meet with officials and residents who spent Monday preparing for severe weather. See those videos below:Chambers CountyGalveston Bay AreaHigh Island, TXGalvestonLake Charles, LouisianaBeaumontPort ArthurBolivar PeninsulaPolk CountyChambers County
This is where all Houston-area counties stand on wearing masks in public
Brazoria County has encouraged residents to wear a face covering when out in public, but it is not mandated. Fort Bend County Judge KP George highly recommends residents to wear protective gear when going out. Galveston County will not be issuing any orders mandating citizens to wear a mask or face covering in public, county judge Mark Henry announced on April 22. Galveston County will not be issuing any orders mandating citizens to wear masks or face coverings in public. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough issued a statement that he will not mandate residents to wear a mask in public places.
Woman attacked, killed by several feral hogs outside home in Chambers County, sheriff says
ANAHUAC, Texas โ A woman was found dead outside a home after she was attacked by several feral hogs Sunday morning in Chambers County, according to Sheriff Brian Hawthorne. On Monday, during a press conference, Hawthorne confirmed the animals that attacked Rollins were feral pigs. She was just that type of person,โ Sandles Jr. said. Rollins is described as a fun-loving woman, who kept a smile on her face and cheer for San Francisco 49ers. Keep God first and we all get through it,โ Sandles Jr. said.
Here are eye-popping photos and videos of Imelda impacting Houston
Here are some of the photos, videos and messages people are sharing showing the conditions in Southeast Texas:Update: It took me 3 hours to get home, but this was another high water spot that I encountered during my adventure today. @KPRC2 #kprc2 @KPRC2Justin @KPRC2WEATHER pic.twitter.com/eGES7aYQlp KPRC Cathy Hernandez (@KPRC2Cathy) September 19, 2019WARNING: More roads flooding in Patton Village, Montgomery County. @KPRC2 #kprc2 pic.twitter.com/qi6QXP2PMB KPRC Cathy Hernandez (@KPRC2Cathy) September 19, 2019This morning search and rescue activities are underway in the Beaumont area. Photos of High Water Rescue Vehicles - HFD Water Strike TeamPhotos of High Water Rescue Vehicles - HFD Water Strike TeamPhotos of High Water Rescue Vehicles - HFD Water Strike TeamPhotos of High Water Rescue Vehicles - HFD Water Strike TeamPhotos of High Water Rescue Vehicles - HFD Water Strike TeamPhotos of High Water Rescue Vehicles - HFD Water Strike TeamThis is #whiteoakbayou at TC Jester 11th. #houstonweather #flooding @KPRC2 #houston pic.twitter.com/YDtSvpbtr0 Taniya Wright (@KPRC2Taniya) September 19, 2019
Death toll rises to 4 in Chambers County boat crash, officials say
CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas โ The death toll has risen to four after a large ski boat driven by Jacob Breaux struck a bass boat in Chambers County, officials confirmed Monday. READ: What we know about deadly boat crash in Chambers CountyA total of 12 people were involved in the crash. Seven were in a bass fishing boat; five others were in a ski boat. It was previously noted that the three deceased victims were all riding in the bass fishing boat. Game wardens from Texas Parks and Wildlife are spearheading the investigation with assistance from the Chambers County Sheriff's Office.
First West Nile virus case reported in Chambers County, officials say
TEXAS โ The Chambers County Health Department has confirmed a patient contracted the West Nile virus, making it the first case in the county in 2018. Health officials said the patient, who lives in western Chambers County, has been released from the hospital after treatment. โWe are actively monitoring the situation, and further case investigation through the Public Health Department will continue,โ said Dr. Clay Brown, a local health authority for Chambers County. West Nile virus season runs from June through October, officials said. READ: What you need to know about mosquito protectionSymptoms of the virus include:Stiff neckVision problemsBody tremorsMental confusionMemory lossSeizuresThe Texas Department of State Health Services recommends practicing the "Four Ds":
Grandson charged in death of Beach City couple
BEACH CITY, Texas โ In a news conference Wednesday morning, deputies said they have enough evidence to charge a 14-year-old boy with two counts of capital murder in the death of his grandparents. In the 11000 block of Cedar Gulley Road, Chambers County Sheriffโs deputies are investigating the double murder of a retired husband and wife. The quiet couple was raising their 14-year-old grandson, who has autism, a relative said. The situation is under investigation by Chambers County Sheriffโs Department. The Jefferson County Medical Examiner's office determined approximate time of death to be late Sunday night or early Monday morning, officials said.
Man killed by Chambers County sheriff's deputies identified
WINNIE, Texas โ A man who was killed after a standoff with deputies from the Chambers County Sheriff's Office on Monday has been identified. KPRC 2 was told Joshua LeBoeuf, 35, had been arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon June 30 and a protective order was issued. Investigators said they received a 911 call at about 9 a.m. Monday that LeBoeuf was at a house on County Line Road -- a violation of the protective order. "It was because of the previous volatile calls concerning LeBoeuf that the responding deputy requested for another unit to respond to the call with him as backup," the Chambers County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. No officers were seriously injured during the shooting, according to the Chambers County Sheriff's Office.
Warrants issued for 2 people after Texas City woman found dead in Cove
COVE, Texas โ Prosecutors issued warrants for the arrest of two people on Wednesday after a 38-year-old Texas City woman was found dead in Cove. Kenneth Williams, 33, is charged with murder. According the Chambers County Sheriff's Office, April Forney's body was found at the J.J. Mayes Wildlife Trace area in Cove on June 15. The case is being investigated by CCSO and the Texas Rangers. If you have any information on the incident, you are asked to call authorities at 409-267-2500.
Girl, 16, killed & sibling hurt in Trinity River boating accident
CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas โ A Mother's Day family outing on the Trinity River ended in tragedy. According to the Chambers County Sheriff's Office, a family from the Mont Belvieu-Dayton area in Chambers County were boating on the Trinity River to celebrate Mother's Day. The father was driving the family boat, pulling his children on a large tube behind the boat. This is just truly a tragic accident," said Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne. This case is being investigated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife with assistance from the Chambers County Sheriff's Office.
Beach City neighborhood without water for days
BEACH CITY, Texas โ A local neighborhood hasn't had water for days and it could take a while for it to be turned back on. Bottled water is the hot commodity in the Bayridge neighborhood in Beach City in Chambers County. They have a spa and they gave them a bath in the spa," John Alvarez said. Gulf Utility says restoring service to the neighborhood is the company's top priority. Gulf Utility says it will have additional contingencies in place if the well issues continue.
Mentally challenged Mont Belvieu woman missing
MONT BELVIEU, Texas โ Authorities need your help to find a missing woman who is mentally challenged. Mont Belvieu police say Marie "Maggie" Margaret Henson was last seen at around 2 a.m. Wednesday in the 8900 block of SH 146 (intersection of SH 146 @ IH 10) in Mont Belvieu. She was last seen wearing a dark, long sleeve shirt with blue around the cuffs, gray fleece jacket, blue jeans and black Puma tennis shoes. She has been entered into the National Computer System as a missing person. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Henson, they are asked to please contact the Mont Belvieu Police Department at 281-576-2417.
Capital murder trial begins 14 years after crime
HOUSTON โ Testimony continues Wednesday in the trial of a man accused of killing a young girl in Chambers County in 1996. Investigators said Kevin Edison Smith murdered the 13-year-old girl in the area known as The Killing Fields along Interstate 45 between Galveston and Houston. The fields got their name back in the 70s when the bodies of young women began showing up. Prosecutors plan to show the jury Baker's dress and undergarments on Wednesday. Smith is charged with capital murder.
Beach City mayor warns of "big cat" roaming the streets
BEACH CITY, Texas โ A community in Chambers County is on alert after residents reported seeing a big cat in the area. Several people in Beach City, including the mayor, say they spotted the animal near Cedar Gully Road within the past few days. "It was a very large gray cat, larger than the coyotes I've seen around here. I'm not a cat expert and can't say what kind it was. Combs sent an email to his residents, warning them of the possible danger.