HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – An argument over a divorce led to a deadly quadruple shooting in northwest Harris County Sunday.
Devin Grantom, 28, has been charged with murder in the shooting death of his wife. He did not appear in court Monday but a judge set his bond at $500,000.
Grantom’s mother was also killed, and two other men were hospitalized.
“I lost basically my entire family today,” said Devin Grantom’s brother, James Grantom.
James Grantom said his mother, 64-year-old Deborah Grantom, tried to stop the fight at their home, located in the 8700 block of Cypresswood Drive before gunfire erupted. He lived with his mother, brother, and brother’s wife at the time of the shooting.
“At first, she was trying to de-escalate the situation because she’s a nice, good-hearted person and didn’t want my brother to go to jail. That caused her to put herself outside. I should have stopped her but I didn’t think anything of it because nothing has gotten physical before,” James Grantom said.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Monday, declined to say whether anyone else would be charged in the incident.
To see the full news conference about the incident, click here.
Suspect’s family recalls shooting
Grantom said it started with an argument between Devin Grantom and his wife, 28-year-old Courtney Grantom. The couple share a 2-year-old son.
“They were planning on divorcing soon. I woke up to them yelling. I came out and immediately started taking care of my nephew,” James Grantom said.
James Grantom said Courtney’s father also showed up at the home.
“He had already had a trespassing warning on him. My brother has already had to call the cops on him once, and he wasn’t allowed near the house ever,” James Grantom said.
Investigators said at least three people fired shots.
According to James Grantom, Courtney’s father fired the first shot outside the home and was injured. He said his brother’s friend showed up trying to de-escalate the situation but was also hit by gunfire. It is unclear if the father and friend will be charged in the shootout.
Deborah Grantom and Courtney both died from gunshot wounds.
Investigators did not disclose whose bullet killed Deborah Grantom.
“I ran away with my nephew into the back of the house when the shooting started to secure his life and to make sure he didn’t get hit by a stray bullet,” James Grantom said.
Fortunately, his nephew is safe, but he is heartbroken knowing they are both left without their mothers.
James Grantom said his mother recently retired after working for Cy-Fair Independent School District for 20 years. He is asking for everyone to keep them in their thoughts.
Devin Grantom was questioned and arrested at the scene. He was subsequently charged with the death of his wife. It is unknown if more charges are pending.
A GoFundMe was created by a family friend to help pay for funeral expenses for the victims. To donate, go here.
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.
Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.