FBI Houston adds murder suspect Javian Paley to local most wanted list after bond release

Fugitive added to regional FBI list

Federal authorities in Houston on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, added Javian D. Paley to their local “Houston Most Wanted” fugitives list, citing an outstanding murder charge and allegations that he failed to appear in court after being released on bond.

Investigators say Paley is accused in the November 2022 shooting death of Lashawn Grays, 22, in northwest Harris County. A reward of up to $5,000 has been announced for information leading to his arrest.

Case timeline: 2022 arrest, later release, and alleged flight

The case centers on a shooting reported late morning on November 25, 2022, at an apartment complex on Point Park Drive in unincorporated Harris County. Deputies responding to the scene found Grays inside an apartment with apparent gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead there, investigators said.

Authorities allege that Paley, identified as Grays’ ex-boyfriend, forced his way into the apartment and shot her before fleeing. Law enforcement later located Paley the same day in La Porte and took him into custody without incident. Investigators reported recovering a pistol from him at the time of arrest.

Court records described bond proceedings that followed the arrest, including an initial bond recommendation of $250,000 and a later $50,000 bond amount. Records reviewed by the newsroom show Paley was ultimately released on a $50,000 bond in December 2023. Authorities now say he has been on the run since that release and did not appear in court as required.

Why the FBI list matters

The local “Houston Most Wanted” list was introduced in August 2025 as a coordinated effort among multiple law enforcement agencies to seek public assistance in locating people accused of violent or serious felony offenses in the Houston area. The initiative is designed to concentrate attention on fugitives considered a public-safety threat and to generate tips through public outreach and reward offers.

What authorities are asking the public to do

• Report information on Paley’s whereabouts through official FBI tip channels.
• Avoid attempting to contact or detain a wanted suspect directly.
• Share only verifiable information with investigators, including last known locations, vehicles, or recent contacts.

Paley remains charged with murder, and the allegations against him have not been tested in a trial.

Anyone providing information is urged to use law enforcement tip lines rather than social media, as investigators prioritize direct, time-stamped reports that can be assessed and acted upon quickly.