Woman says ‘shooting didn’t stop’ when friend was killed after taking barbecue pit in NE Harris Co.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Following the fatal shooting of a man during an attempted barbecue pit theft, a witness has stepped forward to recount the events of that day.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the owner of the barbecue pit pursued the suspected thief after the theft and subsequently shot and killed him. Another individual accompanying the suspect was unharmed.

Speaking exclusively to ABC13, a woman who wished to remain anonymous described the harrowing experience she witnessed that morning.

“The shooting didn’t stop. It was non-stop. It felt like forever,” the woman said, expressing her terror.

She recounted unwittingly becoming involved in the theft when her friend, Carl Hathaway, informed her they were picking up the barbecue pit from a friend in the area of Ralston Road and Kentington Oak.

As they attempted to secure the barbecue pit onto their vehicle, the woman observed the owner’s truck approaching, prompting suspicions about the pit’s origin.

She detailed the confrontation that ensued, with Hathaway attempting to reason with the owner as gunfire erupted.

Despite taking cover, the woman was unharmed, while Hathaway sustained fatal injuries.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office stated that the pit owner acted in self-defense, alleging Hathaway made a threatening gesture.

However, the witness maintained she did not see Hathaway possess a weapon.

Legal experts suggest the incident raises complex questions about self-defense laws in Texas.

Hathaway’s cousin, Jennifer Wolf, acknowledged his wrongdoing but questioned the proportionality of the response.

The witness, who was not charged, expressed remorse for Hathaway, emphasizing his humanity despite his actions.

The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury for further review.

The sheriff’s office has not provided updates beyond the initial report, and the timeline for referral to the grand jury remains uncertain.

Legal experts underscore the complexity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.