Galveston man accused of killing his mom during fight in her home

Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Retiree who returned to help Galveston ISD killed in her home
Neighbors, who declined to go on camera, said 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 out during the pandemic.

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Galveston police say 61-year-old Desiree Hartnett was killed inside her home in the 2800 block of Pine Street on Monday morning.

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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