Teen’s 911 call played during trial, illustrates that 8-year-old had ‘been dead for a while’

In a Houston courtroom on Thursday, the surviving brothers of an 8-year-old boy, whose decomposed body was discovered in October 2021, recounted their experiences living with their mother’s alleged abusive partner.

Brian Coulter, 34, stands trial for capital murder, accused of fatally beating Kendrick Lee. Kendrick’s skeletal remains were found nearly a year after his presumed death.

During the trial, the brothers, aged 17, 12, and 9, testified about enduring months of abuse at the hands of Coulter, with the younger siblings also subjected to mistreatment. The 9-year-old, who witnessed his brother’s fatal beating, detailed how Coulter used household objects like toys to inflict harm.

The siblings described being frequently confined to a bedroom, with photos presented in court showing an exterior deadbolt lock on the door. They testified that they were sometimes forced to use the room as a restroom.

The trial is a bench trial, meaning Judge Kelli Johnson of the 178th Criminal District Court will deliver the verdict. Coulter pleaded not guilty to Kendrick’s murder.

The discovery of Kendrick’s remains occurred after the eldest brother called emergency services. The 17-year-old, the only sibling to testify in Coulter’s presence, explained their harrowing situation.

The younger brothers provided their testimony remotely due to concerns about trauma. ABC13 refrains from naming the minors, as instructed by the court.

Their mother, Gloria Williams, also faces charges related to Kendrick’s death but is not accused of murder. Text messages presented in court revealed disturbing exchanges between Williams and Coulter regarding Kendrick’s condition before his death.

The trial, which commenced with testimony from various witnesses, including investigators, continues with Coulter’s defense expected to present its case.