HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez released the identities of the three victims who were shot and killed at a short-term rental home in northwest Harris County rental home on Sunday morning.
Those victims were identified as Michael Obodo, Nicholas King, and Ellesha Rice, all 24 years old.
Obodo’s family told KPRC 2′s Bryce Newberry he was in town to celebrate his birthday.
Ellesha Rice was one of three shot to death at a short-term rental home in Katy, TX early Sunday. She recently graduated from college & planned to attend law school then become a judge. Family says she was planning her future with one of the other victims, Nicholas King. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/IDNC2CFOfY
— Bryce Newberry (@KPRC2Bryce) January 23, 2024
Rice’s family said she graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in December. She was on the road to start law school to become a lawyer and eventually a judge. She was deeply in love and planning a future with King, her family said.
King’s family told KPRC 2 he had an exceptional spirit, was extremely genuine, and treated people with dignity and respect. He was dedicated to being an active uncle and was a true light in his family, they said. He loved Rice unconditionally, was proud to be moving toward marriage, and building their life together.
“They left this world together - her with a promise ring on her finger,” King’s sister said. “My heart weeps for losing one my brother, my protector and my sister in love.”
According to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Rice and King died in the kitchen of the home. Obodo died later at the hospital.
Two other people were hurt in the shooting. Sheriff Gonzalez says there may be more people hurt.
What happened?
HCSO deputies were dispatched to the scene around 2:15 a.m. in the 4600 block of Russet Leaf Trace.
“Very chaotic and dangerous situation where others could have been injured, as a result of the random gunfire that was occurring outside as well,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
In the morning hours, between 10-20 people gathered inside the short-term rental.
A shooting then broke out and several people were hit. Two of the victims died at the scene, while the third died at the hospital.
“Still got shots going on over here, have units step it up,” first responders could be heard saying on dispatch audio courtesy of Broadcastify.
“If you’re unassigned or you’re available, get to this scene right now,” another first responder said.
Nicholas King also died in a triple murder at a Katy, TX birthday party Sunday. Family tells @KPRC2 he had an exceptional spirit, was dedicated to being an active uncle and was a true light in his family. He died next to his girlfriend, Ellesha Rice, who he loved unconditionally. pic.twitter.com/59abLXkK8P
— Bryce Newberry (@KPRC2Bryce) January 23, 2024
Authorities are still trying to determine if there were multiple shooters, if they were already in the house during the shooting, or if they made it to the house uninvited.
“Hey there’s a lady over there who’s naked, somebody got her?” another responding officer said on the dispatch audio.
“I have two females (inaudible), they ran from the address,” a different officer said.
Deputies have not released a description of the suspect(s) yet. This case is still under investigation.
A neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous, spoke to KPRC 2′s Corley Peel on Sunday.
“We woke up to a loud bang and our dog barking,” the neighbor said. “We went outside and we saw a kid running back and forth, we were asking him what was going on and he just said people were shooting at him or something.”
If you have any information on the incident, you should call deputies at 713-274-9100.