A young mother was shot dead by her ex-partner while she was organizing a birthday party for her 6-year-old son.
Jalen Easterling, 25, was shot and killed Thursday night at a Houston home, and her family said she was fatally shot by her estranged ex.
Officials in the Texas city say Easterling and her new boyfriend were hosting a party for her son when the father showed up and an argument broke out.
Those present at the party said shots were fired afterward and Easterling was shot dead in front of her children and boyfriend. She died at the scene.
A neighbor told me KHO who stayed crouched for cover after the shooting began.
Jalen Easterling, 25, was shot and killed Thursday night at a Houston home, and her family said she was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend.
Texas city officials say Easterling and her new boyfriend were hosting a party for her son when the father showed up and an argument broke out.
Felicia Adams told the outlet: “My heart sank. I was terrified. He was so loud and it felt like he was going to break into my house.”
According to Adams, he heard screaming before the shooting began and said, “He was angry. He was yelling and screaming.”
“It was terrifying. My kids were terrified. I have a five-year-old daughter and she wouldn’t stop crying.”
Houston police said they had previously responded to calls about child custody at that address.
The shooter, who has not yet been formally identified and remains at large, was seen leaving the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.
Adams added: “I know they know who he is and I hope we can identify him correctly and we can start bringing this to justice.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Lt. R. Willkens told reporters: ‘Our suspect showed up and shots were fired from the doorway, we don’t know if it was random or at individuals.
Houston police said they had responded to calls about child custody at the address before.
According to neighbor Felicia Adams, seen here, she heard screams before the shooting began.
The shooter, who has not yet been formally identified and remains at large, was seen leaving the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.
“The woman was hit in the upper extremities. She fell and died here. I’m sure we’re going to find this individual.”
He added: “If he’s intelligent, he’ll turn himself in and say exactly why he did what he did. Maybe there were other things going on.”
Since the family announced the news of her passing, social media has been flooded with tributes to the mother of two.
Her aunt Summer Rosziia posted: “It’s been a quiet day for me and my thoughts and the pain I feel are immeasurable. My niece Jalen Easterling’s life was taken last night.
‘My heart is broken, shattered, with the loss of my father on September 11, 2022 and the fact that it still hurts.
“I never imagined this would happen to my beloved niece. Dear God, please be with my brother, his mother, my sister and everyone who loved Jalen. This is so hard. Justice will be served.
Another person said: “She was a real fighter, a real mother and a real friend. I hate the way you made us look bad. I will always cherish all the talks and laughs we had.”
“I’m praying for your family and especially your daughters. I’ll see you in the afterlife, twin. I love you so much.”
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