HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS – The man accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend at a northeast Harris County apartment was found dead inside a vehicle Friday evening, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said deputies found Richard Mitchell, 51, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a car. The car was found in the 6500 block of North Sam Houston Tollway East near Highway 59.
Deputies identified the victim as 31-year-old Ashley Davis.
What happened?
The deadly shooting took place in the 17410 block of Red Oak Drive near Marne around midnight Friday.
Deputies said Davis was found dead by her family members at the scene. They believed she was killed by her boyfriend, Mitchell.
Neighbors told deputies that they heard the deadly gunshots.
HCSO deputies told KPRC 2′s T.J. Parker that after the shooting, Mitchell had fled the scene with their 1-year-old child.
Mitchell reportedly returned to the scene and left the child with family members before he took off again.
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.”
Breaking Free: The state of domestic violence in Texas
Breaking Free - What is emotional and psychological abuse?
Breaking Free: Helping African Americans de-stigmatize abuse, learn to ask the right questions
Breaking Free: The red flags of an abusive relationship and tips on how to leave
Breaking Free from Domestic Violence: Far too many cases to count in Harris County
Breaking Free: Ways loved ones can support domestic violence victims
Do you need help? Free Domestic Violence Resources
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.