Mom fatally shot by ex-boyfriend during birthday party for their 6-year-old child
A young mother was shot dead by her ex-partner while hosting a birthday party for their 6-year-old son.
Jalen Easterling, 25, was shot to death in a Houston home Thursday night. Her family said it was her estranged ex who shot her.
Officers in the Texas city say Easterling and her new boyfriend were throwing a party for her child when the father showed up and an argument broke out.
Those at the party said shots were fired afterward, with Easterling shot in front of her children and boyfriend. She died at the scene.
A neighbor told KHOU that they took cover after the shooting started.
Jalen Easterling, 25, was shot to death in a Houston home Thursday night. Her family says it was her estranged ex who fatally shot her.
Officers in the Texas city say Easterling and her new boyfriend were throwing a party for her child when the father showed up and an argument broke out
Felicia Adams told the outlet, “My heart skipped a beat. I was terrified. It was loud and it sounded like it was coming into my house.”
According to Adams, she heard screaming before the shooting started, and said, “He was angry. He was yelling and screaming.
“It was scary. My kids, they were terrified. I have a five-year-old and she couldn’t stop crying.”
Houston police said they had previously responded to that address for child custody calls.
The shooter, who has not yet been officially identified and remains at large, was spotted leaving the scene of the crime in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.
Adams added: “I know they know who he is and I’m hoping I can identify him correctly so we can bring this to justice.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Houston police or Crime Stoppers.
Lt. R. Willkens told reporters: “Our suspect showed up and shots were fired from the door. We don’t know if it was random or if it was individuals being shot at.
Houston police said they had previously responded to the address for child custody calls
According to neighbor Felicia Adams, seen here, she heard screaming before the shooting began
The shooter, who has not yet been officially identified and is still on the run, was spotted leaving the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe
“The woman was hit, upper extremities. She went down and died here. I am confident that we will find this individual.”
He added: ‘If he’s smart, he’ll turn himself in and tell him exactly why he did what he did. Maybe there were other things that happened.’
After her family announced the news of her passing, tributes to the mother of two were posted on social media.
Her aunt Summer Rosziia posted: ‘It was a quiet day for me and my thoughts and the pain I feel are immeasurable. My cousin Jalen Easterling’s life was taken last night.
My heart is broken and shattered by the loss of my father on September 11, 2022 and the fact that it still hurts.
“I never thought this would happen to my sweet niece. God please be with my brother, her mother, my sister and everyone who loved Jalen. This is so hard. Justice will prevail.
Another said: ‘She was a real hustler, a real mother and a real friend. I hate the way you took something from us. I will always appreciate all the conversations and laughs we had.
“I’m praying for your family and especially your daughters. I’ll see you in the twins in the afterlife. I love you dearly.”