Tragedy struck in Houston's Independence Heights neighborhood when two women were fatally shot in what police are calling an "ambush-style" attack. The incident unfolded earlier today on East 37th Street near Yale Street, as confirmed by local authorities. Police reports indicate that three women were simply enjoying each other's company on a porch when they were attacked.
Houston Police Department (HPD) believes the assailant is the estranged boyfriend of one of the victims, as reported by FOX26 Houston. Around 1:30 a.m., the man reportedly emerged from behind a fence and to quickly open fire, striking down two women, ages 39 and 22. The older woman has been identified as Mary Arredondo by family members.
"Arredondo was a mother of four," her grieving mother, Selinda Trevino, told ABC13. In the chaos, the third woman, reportedly the homeowner, managed to escape unhurt despite falling in her frantic dash for safety. Five children were present inside the home at the time of the shooting, though none were harmed.
The suspect fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene, however, his mode of transportation remains unknown. HPD Homicide's J. Diaz described the attack in stark terms: "Based on what we saw, it appears to be an ambush-style attack. Where he, the suspect, hid behind a fence. It was on the east side of the residence and then proceeded to ambush our victims from behind," says Diaz. Surveillance footage capturing the suspect was obtained by ABC13, showing the suspect donned in a blue hoodie, camo pants, black gloves, and black shoes.
Houston police have urgently requested the public to submit any video evidence that might aid the investigation, including footage from residential cameras. Investigators surmise a prior argument may have occurred between the shooter and his estranged girlfriend hours before the shooting. The community remains shaken as authorities continue to actively search for the estranged boyfriend, now suspected in this heinous double murder.
