2 women found dead in apparent murder-suicide in NW Harris Co, sheriff says

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has reported that two women were discovered dead inside their northwest Houston apartment in what appears to be a murder-suicide. According to investigators, the bodies had likely been there for several days.

Sgt. Ben Beall stated that deputies responded to the Derby at Steeplechase Apartments on West Road around 5:50 p.m. on Saturday. They spoke with neighbors who claimed to have heard gunshots and found a bullet had penetrated their wall.

Beall explained that deputies were unable to locate the individuals responsible for the gunshots or the apartment management that evening. They collected a partial bullet projectile and filed a report before leaving.

Subsequently, on Monday at approximately 11:15 a.m., the same neighbors contacted the apartment management, who then requested their courtesy officer to conduct a welfare check.

Upon investigation, the courtesy officer discovered what appeared to be a body inside the neighboring apartment. They gained entry and found two deceased Black women, aged 23 and 27.

The Crime Scene Unit recovered four to five shell casings and a firearm from inside the apartment.

When asked why deputies didn’t initially enter the apartment on Saturday, Beall stated that they were uncertain about the exact source of the bullet.

“It’s difficult to determine where the projectile originated. It could have come from upstairs or outside,” Beall said. “They attempted to contact management to obtain access to the apartment.”

The identities and relationship of the two women remain unknown at this time.

Neighbor Clarrissa Johnson expressed her sorrow, saying, “It’s really sad and disheartening. I’m going to pray for this family tonight. I know these women have mothers, fathers, and family members who are really going to need strength right now.”