Boyfriend accused of shooting 45-year-old woman to death, leaving her in shallow grave, HPD says

has received information regarding an arrest made just days after the family of a woman expressed concerns that her alleged killer, who reportedly left her in a shallow grave, might evade justice.

The Houston Police Department announced that 31-year-old Derek Fischer was charged with murder and tampering with evidence over the weekend in connection with the apparent shooting death of Jennifer Ramirez.

Authorities disclosed that detectives conducted an investigation in the 11000 block of Fuqua Street on April 22, leading to the discovery of Ramirez’s body in a shallow grave. Initially, there were no known witnesses or suspects, but subsequent statements and evidence pointed to Fischer as the suspect.

During a probable cause court appearance on Monday, it was revealed that Fischer is currently serving deferred adjudication for a separate family assault. Investigators believe that Fischer and Ramirez were in a relationship at the time of her alleged killing, although a motive has not been disclosed.

Fischer’s bond was set at a total of $150,000.

In an earlier report by Eyewitness News, the Houston Police Department stated that the body of the 45-year-old victim was found behind an apartment complex on the embankment of a detention pond.

Ramirez’s family shared with that she had a history of addiction and had faced challenges, including periods of incarceration. Her sister expressed hope that Ramirez would eventually overcome her struggles and reunite with her family.

“There was so much hope in the family that she would be OK,” said Tabitha Galvan, Ramirez’s sister. “That she would overcome the addiction and come back home and rebuild her relationships with her children and her husband.”