HOUSTON – A man is in custody after investigators said he admitted to fatally shooting his girlfriend at a northeast Houston home Thursday evening.
Santiago Vallejo, Jr., 39, has been charged with murder in the 185th State District Court, and his bond was set at $250,000.
The identity of the victim, 38, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 8300 block of Sandra Street near Weaver Road at 9:45 p.m.
When they arrived, they saw Vallejo with his hands in the air on the driveway, shouting “I did it, I did it,” according to investigators.
Police went inside the home and found the woman with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s 14-year-old son was inside the home at the time, but investigators said he did not witness the shooting.
Police said the incident appeared to be a “family violence homicide” after Vallejo reportedly claimed to officers that he “didn’t mean to kill her.”
According to HPD Lt. I. Izaguirre, investigators determined that the couple lived in the home for less than a month, and the shooting may have stemmed from jealousy.
The suspect was placed into custody and transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.
ARRESTED: Booking photo of Santiago Vallejo, Jr., 39, now charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a woman at 8200 Sandra Street about 9:45 p.m. last night (July 20).
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) July 21, 2023
More info: https://t.co/DkGvzeGEUZ#hounews #OneSafeHouston pic.twitter.com/3RCgx2QOVk
In an effort to help victims, KPRC 2 News created a series, “Breaking Free,” reporting on domestic-related violence and its horrific consequences. The series showcased various stories of survival, heartache, and some even ending in death, but each shared a list of free domestic violence resources on how to get help.
Vallejo, the woman’s boyfriend, remained on the scene and admitted his role in the shooting. He was placed into custody and transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.
Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
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