Lazette King dies in fatal southeast Houston shooting
Lazette King dies in fatal southeast Houston shooting
Fatal southeast Houston shooting death of Lazette King
HOUSTON — Authorities have arrested an individual suspected of fatally shooting Lazette King inside a southeast Houston apartment complex Tuesday night. The suspect also allegedly threatened King’s family following the incident.
King, identified by family members as the victim, sustained a fatal gunshot wound at an apartment complex located on McHenry Street near Braesmont Drive. Her sister, Shatina Thompson, confirmed that the accused sent photographs of King’s body to his relatives.
According to Thompson, the suspect contacted his sister after committing the act, informing her of his actions and warning that he intended to target the family next. Following this communication, Thompson relayed the threat to authorities and took measures to secure her parents’ safety by relocating them from their residence.
Investigators believe the same suspect was involved in an earlier shooting event. This occurred around 9 p.m., resulting in a leg injury to another individual. The wounded person sought assistance at a nearby eatery and contacted emergency services, providing police with a description of the suspect involved in the first incident.
Approximately one hour after the initial shooting, a second report was filed concerning another shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found King deceased but discovered no trace of the perpetrator.
This prompted a citywide search operation by Houston police SWAT teams throughout the night. The suspect was apprehended Wednesday morning in the Willowbrook area, situated roughly 30 miles from the original location.
Houston Police Department indicated the accused might be experiencing mental health challenges and had reportedly stopped taking his prescribed medication. As of Wednesday afternoon, formal charges against him had not yet been filed.
Thompson shared that the couple’s relationship had been tumultuous, with family members having previously expressed concerns and hoping for its conclusion. She described King as a compassionate individual who actively assisted others in need.
The homicide division noted no prior police involvement with either the suspect or the victim at their apartment address. The motive behind the crime remains under investigation.
The incident has prompted Houston police to emphasize the rapid escalation potential of domestic and family violence, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities promptly. Law enforcement stressed the importance of community vigilance and intervention.
Several resources were highlighted for potential victims of domestic violence in the Houston area. These include the Houston Area Women’s Center, offering a 24-hour hotline; the Family Time Crisis Center with a round-the-clock line; the National Domestic Violence Hotline; the Crisis Text Line (text START to 88788); and the Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth (text GAYT to 438243).