The woman's body was found early this morning in her ex-husband's home on Peppergate near Rainglen. He claims she tried to attack him with a knife so he shot her in self-defense.
Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots around 1am.
"It's a horrible thing to happen, especially after the holidays," said one neighbor.
A years-long relationship ended in a fatal fight. Detectives say a 28-year-old man shot and killed his ex-wife. She was 27 years old.
"Her estranged husband initially claimed that she attacked him with a knife and he shot her in self-defense," said Sgt. Ben Beall with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "He is down at the sheriff's office homicide unit at the moment being interviewed."
The woman was shot several times in the torso and her body was found by investigators in the hallway leading to the master bedroom.
"We do have a handgun that was recovered at the scene," Beall said.
The couple has three young boys who were with grandparents last night. According to deputies, there was a history of family violence between the two. This is not the first time the young couple has called law enforcement to sort out a heated argument.
"Actually it doesn't surprise me, they been out here two or three times. She doesn't even live there but they have had some problems in the past," said another neighbor.
Despite their differences, neighbors say they wish the year wouldn't have ended so violently, for the sake of the children and both families.
"That's really sad. Like, I don't know why the dad would do something like that. Even though they get into a fight, they need to learn to put your differences aside because you know they have kids," neighbor Cassandra Ayala said.
Detectives say the couple was separated for four to five years but have continued a relationship. Their youngest child together is just one year old.
The man was questioned and released. So far, no charges have been filed. The case will likely be turned over to the Harris County Grand Jury.
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