A neighbor, who declined to share their name, says the victim was a beloved mother and grandmother, and a dedicated Galveston ISD retiree who recently went back to work for the district to help during the pandemic.
Officials confirmed that Hartnett retired from Galveston ISD following the 2019-2020 school year after 33 years with the district. Her most recent role was bilingual ESL district coordinator. She worked part-time for the GISD remote learning program in 2020-2021.
Police say they were called to Hartnett's home around 9 a.m. Monday and found her dead.
A witness reported to police that the victim and suspect were in an argument that turned physical.
Police say the suspect took off but was found a short time later down the street.
Early Tuesday morning, authorities charged Gregory Paul Hartnett, Jr., with murder and evading arrest. The 32-year-old was booked into the Galveston County Jail. The Galveston County District Attorney's office says bonds have been set at $300,000 for the murder charge and $7,500 for the charge of evading arrest.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that Gregory is Desiree's son.
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