Deputies identify woman shot in head, killed while riding in vehicle with husband

HOUSTON – A 62-year-old woman was shot and killed while she was riding in a vehicle with her husband Tuesday evening, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Saron James' shooting death was unjustified, according to her family, who spoke to KPRC 2 Thursday.

What happened

The couple was riding in a white Isuzu Rodeo near the intersection of Old Greenhouse Road and Windy Stone Drive in northwest Harris County when Saron James was struck by at least one bullet, authorities said.

James' husband, Cleveland James, told KPRC 2 that he heard what he thought was an explosion and shattered glass, but when he turned to James to say, “You see these crazy people?” he said he saw her slumped over with a gunshot wound to the head.

Authorities said several witnesses tried to help Saron James' husband give her aid but she was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

What witnesses saw

Witnesses told authorities they saw a white Audi SUV leaving the area. They said the driver was a man in his early 20s with curls. He was with at least two other people at the time of the shooting, witnesses said.

Cleveland James said they had just left a doctor's appointment in Katy and were going to pick up his wife's prescription. They were five minutes from home. Gonzalez believes they were innocent bystanders to what could be a road rage incident between other parties.

Surveillance video shows a white Audi SUV speeding on Old Greenhouse Road.

"This is a major cut through. There were a lot of vehicles on that road at that time. There were vehicles in front, behind. There's no way that this vehicle went around other vehicles and nobody saw anything)," said Chris Mock, Saron James' son-in-law.

More about Saron James

Saron James worked as an insurance auditor, according to her family, who took some time off to focus on her health. She leaves behind a daughter. Her husband of 40 years said she was a godly and giving woman.
“They took an angel from us, and they need to be punished,” he said.

Cleveland James said his wife would want them to find her killer and pray for them.

Saron James held dear to her faith.

What Saron James' daughter said

"I get a call from my dad. I just left work," said Kelley Mock, Saron James' daughter. "He told me my mom was shot in the head. I didn't understand what he was saying but I knew what he was saying was true."

Mock and her husband, Chris, showed up to the scene of the shooting, but left and drove to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital because she thought she'd get to see her mom.

"I'm like, OK, here we go. We're going to go into this room, and he gets back in the car and tells me that she didn't make it and that she passed at 7:22 (Thursday evening)," Mock said.

Mock said her mother was godly.

"She just knew scripture. It doesn't matter if she met you for the first time, the second time, the third time, it was her duty to share the word with you," Mock said.

Police ask for information

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit at 713-274-9200 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

 


About the Authors:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.