Juvenile among suspects charged in case of mom killed while shielding sons in Westchase, HPD says

Two suspects, including a juvenile, have been apprehended and charged in connection with the tragic shooting death of a mother who shielded her two sons during the incident, according to authorities.

Houston police have identified one of the suspects as 17-year-old Leashtian Blanks, who faces a murder charge. The identity of the second suspect, aged 16, has not been disclosed due to legal reasons.

The incident occurred on Feb. 23 around 8 p.m. at 3100 Elmside Drive, where 37-year-old Isha Goff was fatally shot while driving home with her 13-year-old and 3-year-old sons. The assailants reportedly approached her vehicle and opened fire.

Fortunately, Goff’s sons escaped physical harm, with the eldest recounting how his mother shielded him from the gunfire.

Reacting to the arrests, Gladys Pratt Seahorn, Goff’s godmother and a local pastor, expressed a mix of relief and sorrow, highlighting the tragedy of teenagers being involved in such violence.

Goff, described as a vibrant individual, was a married healthcare worker and an active member of her church, leaving behind a 1-year-old daughter.

Although initially believed to be older, an investigation led authorities to the teenage suspects, who were taken into custody on Tuesday. While the motive remains undisclosed, court records indicate that Blanks was already under supervision for a previous felony at the time of the shooting.

Blanks appeared in court on Wednesday, where bond was set at $150,000.

Seahorn emphasized the family’s commitment to preserving Goff’s memory for her children, ensuring they know who their mother was despite the tragic circumstances.