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Hotels sued over alleged sex trafficking of teen linked to Klein Cain High School prostitution case

Read full article: Hotels sued over alleged sex trafficking of teen linked to Klein Cain High School prostitution case

Attorneys for a woman identified as Jane Doe have filed a federal lawsuit against several Houston-area hotel operators, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, alleging the businesses enabled and profited from a sex-trafficking scheme allegedly organized by a former Klein Cain High School teacher and her adult son.

Royce Witchet, a 15-year-old described by his mother as loving, protective and passionate about sports and music, was fatally shot near Westfield High School and the Spring ISD administration building on Tuesday.

‘I called him my heart’: Family identifies 15-year-old killed near Westfield High School

Read full article: ‘I called him my heart’: Family identifies 15-year-old killed near Westfield High School

Royce Witchet, a 15-year-old described by his mother as loving, protective and passionate about sports and music, was fatally shot near Westfield High School and the Spring ISD administration building on Tuesday.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez at a press briefing on Sept. 22, 2026, regarding a Spring ISD student who was shot and killed outside school.

Investigators seek student video, messages after fatal shooting near Westfield High School

Read full article: Investigators seek student video, messages after fatal shooting near Westfield High School

A 15-year-old was fatally shot on a sidewalk near Westfield High School shortly after dismissal; investigators believe the victim attended the school but say the shooting did not occur inside campus.

The Briarwood School says all three students got removed from campus when allegations came to light
1 day ago

Three former Houston private school student athletes charged in alleged locker room sex assaults

Read full article: Three former Houston private school student athletes charged in alleged locker room sex assaults

Court records detail allegations that at least two students at The Briarwood School, a Houston private school serving children with learning differences, were sexually assaulted and harassed in locker rooms and other school-related settings during the 2025–26 school year.

Harris County investigators say automated license plate reader technology helped lead them to the suspect after a family’s car was targeted near Grant Road and Jones Road
2 days ago

Man charged with capital murder in shooting death of 5-year-old girl in Cypress

Read full article: Man charged with capital murder in shooting death of 5-year-old girl in Cypress

Jeremy Porter, 47, is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of 5-year-old Zah’Layah, who was riding in her family’s car during an apparent road rage shooting in Cypress.

Shooting John Alber Road
3 days ago

Teen charged with capital murder after deadly meetup in Houston; here’s where to find safe exchange zones

Read full article: Teen charged with capital murder after deadly meetup in Houston; here’s where to find safe exchange zones

A Houston teen is charged with capital murder following a deadly encounter involving an alleged robbery. Here's where Houston-area residents can find police-designated safe exchange zones for online transactions and tips to stay safe.

A 5-year-old girl, Zah’layah, was killed and two other children injured when a vehicle carrying a mother and her five children was shot at around 11:30 p.m. on Grant Road near Jones Road in northwest Harris County.

‘Light of my life’: Mom speaks out after 5-year-old daughter killed in Cypress

Read full article: ‘Light of my life’: Mom speaks out after 5-year-old daughter killed in Cypress

A 5-year-old girl, Zah’layah, was killed and two other children injured when a vehicle carrying a mother and her five children was shot at around 11:30 p.m. on Grant Road near Jones Road in northwest Harris County.

Four other children were inside the vehicle when someone opened fire; HCSO investigators are searching for answers

Arrest made after 5-year-old girl killed in apparent road rage shooting in northwest Harris County, HCSO says

Read full article: Arrest made after 5-year-old girl killed in apparent road rage shooting in northwest Harris County, HCSO says

A 5-year-old girl was killed and two other children injured after gunfire struck a vehicle carrying five children in northwest Houston late Saturday night, authorities said.

A 17-year-old, Anthony Castro, was arrested and charged with capital murder in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Victor Thomas Gonzalez, who had been chasing suspects after an alleged armed robbery.
3 days ago

17-year-old charged with capital murder in fatal shooting of man who chased robbery suspects, court records show

Read full article: 17-year-old charged with capital murder in fatal shooting of man who chased robbery suspects, court records show

A 17-year-old, Anthony Castro, was arrested and charged with capital murder in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Victor Thomas Gonzalez, who had been chasing suspects after an alleged armed robbery.

A Houston family waited nearly three years for justice, and on Thursday, they finally got it. A jury sentenced 51-year-old Yoland Washington to 75 years in prison for the murder of 21-year-old Deundrea Ford, a young mother who disappeared after leaving work along the East Freeway in September 2023.

Man sentenced to 75 years for killing 21-year-old Houston woman, Deundrea Ford

Read full article: Man sentenced to 75 years for killing 21-year-old Houston woman, Deundrea Ford

A Houston family waited nearly three years for justice, and on Thursday, they finally got it. A jury sentenced 51-year-old Yoland Washington to 75 years in prison for the murder of 21-year-old Deundrea Ford, a young mother who disappeared after leaving work along the East Freeway in September 2023.

Lee Gilley

Prosecutors confirm no intent to seek death for Harris County capital murder defendant who fled to Italy

Read full article: Prosecutors confirm no intent to seek death for Harris County capital murder defendant who fled to Italy

Amid an ongoing extradition battle, Harris County prosecutors on Friday filed formal notice with the state court that they will not seek the death penalty for Lee Gilley, the Houston man accused of murdering his pregnant wife before fleeing the U.S. while on bond.

September 18, 2026: Precinct deputies arrested Downing n May 2024

Former top lawyer for RODEOHOUSTON avoids trial with guilty plea

Read full article: Former top lawyer for RODEOHOUSTON avoids trial with guilty plea

Former Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo general counsel Jeffrey Downing pleaded guilty to online solicitation of a minor, accepting five years of deferred adjudication and a 10-year sex offender registration requirement. Arrested in May 2024 after communicating on Kik with an undercover investigator who posed as a 15-year-old, Downing — who described himself as “a cowboy lawyer” — exchanged explicit messages and photos and offered gifts. The third-degree felony carried potential prison time, but prosecutors waived a jury trial and the judge imposed the sentence. Downing, who joined HLSR in October 2022 and has no prior criminal history, remains free on bond and retains an active Texas bar license.

The man in his 70s was expected in court today at the Lee Alworth Building; the courthouse area remains closed during the investigation

Defendant takes own life on front steps of Montgomery County courthouse before scheduled sentencing

Read full article: Defendant takes own life on front steps of Montgomery County courthouse before scheduled sentencing

A man in his 70s who was a defendant died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the Lee G. Alworth Building in Conroe shortly before his scheduled sentencing.

Christa Bauer's friend calls the change 'a rare silver lining' after months of frustrating developments

Harris County funds 24/7 ankle monitor staffing after murder defendant fled to Italy

Read full article: Harris County funds 24/7 ankle monitor staffing after murder defendant fled to Italy

Harris County is putting $1.4 million toward around-the-clock ankle monitor oversight, a direct response to the high-profile case of a capital murder defendant who cut off his device and fled to Italy months before his scheduled trial.

A Houston-area man thought he had finally bought his dream car, a 2018 Camaro SS, only to learn four months later that the vehicle was stolen and allegedly sold through a Houston Police Department auction.

Man buys $25,000 Camaro, learns months later it was stolen and allegedly sold through HPD auction

Read full article: Man buys $25,000 Camaro, learns months later it was stolen and allegedly sold through HPD auction

A Houston-area man thought he had finally bought his dream car, a 2018 Camaro SS, only to learn four months later that the vehicle was stolen and allegedly sold through a Houston Police Department auction.

Teen takeovers, large unsupervised gatherings and teens with guns in attendance are raising new concerns about safety across Houston as police and parents look for ways to prevent another tragedy.

Teen gatherings, large crowds and guns raise safety concerns as Mariah Alatorre case returns to court

Read full article: Teen gatherings, large crowds and guns raise safety concerns as Mariah Alatorre case returns to court

Teen takeovers, large unsupervised gatherings and teens with guns in attendance are raising new concerns about safety across Houston as police and parents look for ways to prevent another tragedy.