A man has been arrested and charged in the death of Myanda Thomas, 33, following a deadly shooting at a Houston residence last week. Antonio Cornell Williams, 36, faces murder charges after the incident that occurred on the morning of May 31 at 709 East 36th Street, where Thomas was found with multiple gunshot wounds, the City of Houston announced.
Williams, who was romantically involved with the victim, allegedly initiated a physical confrontation that escalated to the fatal shooting. Fleeing the scene with the couple's 2-year-old child on a bicycle, Williams’ attempt to escape was short-lived. According to reports by the Houston Police Department (HPD), police responded to the scene at approximately 8:45 a.m., finding Thomas unresponsive, she was pronounced dead by paramedics shortly after.
The pursuit of the suspect came to a dramatic end when Williams, located by HPD officers, turned the gun on himself as they approached. Despite his self-inflicted injury, authorities were able to secure the toddler, who was confirmed to be unharmed in the ordeal. Williams is currently hospitalized with the self-inflicted gunshot wound, still awaiting his day in court in the 174th State District Court.
Investigation efforts by HPD Homicide Division Sergeant B. Roberts and Detective J. Wallschlaeger led to the swift identification and charge of Williams. "HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting at the above address and found an unresponsive woman with multiple gunshot wounds in the bedroom," detailed the release, the couple's domestic dispute reaching its tragic conclusion in a matter of moments.
The community remains shaken by the violence inflicted upon Thomas and the danger to the young child caught in the turmoil. As the legal proceedings against Williams move forward, the city grapples with the impact of another life lost to domestic violence and the concerning reality of safety in one's own home.
