Mom fatally shot by ex-boyfriend during birthday party for their 6-year-old child
A young mother was shot and killed by her former partner while she was throwing a birthday party for their 6-year-old.
25-year-old Jalen Easterling was gunned down on Thursday evening at a home in Houston, with her family saying it was her estranged ex who fatally shot her.
Officers in the Texan city say that Easterling and her new boyfriend were throwing a party for her child when the father showed up and an argument broke out.
Those at the party said that shots were fired following this, with Easterling being gunned down in front of her children and her boyfriend. She died at the scene.
One neighbor told KHOU that they were left ducking for cover after the shooting started.
25-year-old Jalen Easterling was gunned down on Thursday evening at a home in Houston, with her family saying it was her estranged ex who fatally shot her
Officers in the Texan city say that Easterling and her new boyfriend were throwing a party for her child when the father showed up and an argument broke out
Felicia Adams told the outlet: ‘My heart dropped. I was terrified. It was loud and it sounded like it was going into my house.’
According to Adams she heard shouting before the shooting started, saying: ‘He was angry. He was shouting and screaming.
‘It was scary. My kids, they were terrified. I have a five-year-old and she wouldn’t stop crying.’
Houston Police said they had responded to child custody calls at the address previously.
The shooter, who has not yet been formally identified and is still on the run, was spotted leaving the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.
Adams added: ‘I know they know who he is and I hope I can identify him correctly and we can start bringing this to justice.’
Anyone with information relating to the shooting is urged to contact Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Lt. R. Willkens told reporters: ‘Our suspect showed up and shots were fired from the door, we don’t know if it was random or at individuals.
Houston Police said they had responded to child custody calls at the address previously
According to neighbor Felicia Adams, seen here, she heard shouting before the shooting started
The shooter, who has not yet been formally identified and is still on the run, was spotted leaving the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe
‘The female was struck, upper extremities. She went down and was deceased here. I feel confident we are going to find this individual.’
He added: ‘If he’s smart he’ll turn himself in and tell him why exactly he did what he did, maybe there is other things that went on.’
Since news of her passing was announced by family, social media has been flooded with tributes made to the mother-of-two.
Her aunt Summer Rosziia posted: ‘It’s been a quiet day for me and my thoughts and the pain I feel is immeasurable. My niece Jalen Easterling’s life was taken last night.
‘My heart is broken shattered and with the loss of my father Sept 11th 2022 and the fact that it still hurts.
‘I never imagine for this to happen to my dear sweet niece. My God please be with my brother, her mom, my sister and everyone who loved Jalen. This is so hard. Justice will be served.
Another person said: ‘She was real hustler, a real mother and a real friend. I hate the way you was taking away from us. I’ll forever appreciate all the talks and laughs we had.
‘I’m praying for your family and most of all your daughters. I’ll see you in the afterlife twin. I love you dearly.’