Houston police investigate overnight home invasion that killed 69-year-old woman and critically injured her son

What happened

Houston police are investigating a deadly home invasion in southeast Houston in which a 69-year-old woman was killed and her adult son was critically wounded after an intruder entered their home and opened fire.

The shooting occurred Monday evening, January 10, 2022, at a house in the 11700 block of Segrest Drive in the South Acres area. Police said officers responding to reports of gunfire found the woman dead at the scene. Her 34-year-old son had been shot multiple times and was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Who was in the home

Police said a 12-year-old family member was also inside the residence at the time of the shooting and was not injured.

How investigators describe the intrusion

Investigators said preliminary information indicated the home’s door was unlocked when the suspect entered. Police have described the incident as an apparent home invasion and said the gunman began firing soon after coming inside.

Authorities said the woman was shot first. Her son, who was elsewhere in the home, came toward the front after hearing the gunfire and was then shot as well. Police have indicated the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Suspect description and investigative status

Police released a suspect description: a tall, skinny Black man. Officers also described the suspect as wearing a red jacket over a hoodie, along with a blue face covering, black pants, gloves and dark shoes.

No arrests were announced in the initial stages of the investigation. Detectives continued to seek witness accounts and any video that might show the suspect’s approach to, or departure from, the area.

Unresolved questions

Key elements remained under investigation, including whether the intruder targeted the home or occupants specifically, and whether the primary motive was robbery. Police indicated the case was still developing as investigators worked to establish a clearer timeline and determine what, if anything, the suspect attempted to take.

If you have information that could help identify the suspect or clarify what happened, contact the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers.

• Location: 11700 block of Segrest Drive, southeast Houston
• Date and time: Monday evening, January 10, 2022, shortly before 7 p.m.
• Victim: 69-year-old woman
• Injured: 34-year-old son, hospitalized in critical condition
• Other occupant: 12-year-old, uninjured