A young mother was shot and killed by her ex-partner while she was hosting a birthday party for their 6-year-old.
25-year-old Jalen Easterling was killed on Thursday evening at a home in Houston. Her family says her estranged ex was the one who shot her.
Police say Jalen and her new boyfriend were having the party when her ex arrived and an argument broke out. Witnesses reported that shots were fired, and Jalen was shot in front of her children and boyfriend. She died at the scene.
A neighbor said they had to take cover when the shooting started.
25-year-old Jalen Easterling was shot and killed on Thursday evening at a home in Houston. Her family says her estranged ex-partner was the one who shot her.
Police say Jalen Easterling and her new boyfriend were having a party for her child when her ex showed up and started an argument.
Felicia Adams, a neighbor, described how she felt: “My heart dropped. I was terrified. It was so loud, it sounded like it was coming into my house.”
She heard shouting before the shooting and said, “He was really angry, shouting and screaming. It was scary. My kids were terrified. My five-year-old couldn’t stop crying.”
Houston Police had been called to this address before for child custody issues.
The shooter, who hasn’t been identified yet and is still on the run, was seen leaving in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.
Adams added, “I know they know who he is, and I hope I can help identify him so we can get justice.”
Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Lt. R. Willkens said, “The suspect showed up and fired shots from the door. We’re not sure if the shooting was random or aimed at specific people.”
Houston Police said they had responded to child custody calls at the address previously
According to neighbor Felicia Adams, seen here, she heard shouting before the shooting started
The shooter, who hasn’t been identified and is still on the run, was seen leaving the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.
Police said, “The woman was shot in the upper body and died at the scene. I’m confident we’ll find this person.”
They added, “If he’s smart, he’ll turn himself in and explain why he did this. Maybe there’s more to the story.”
Since Jalen’s death was announced, social media has been filled with tributes to her.
