Military recruiter identified after allegedly killing wife while she held child, injuring NCIS agent

Friday, September 23, 2022
Officials identify man who allegedly killed wife with baby in her arms
Greg Hightower was identified as the U.S. Navy recruiter who allegedly killed his wife and injured an NCIS agent during a shootout in Humble.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The identity of a U.S. Navy recruiter who allegedly killed his wife while she was holding their child in her arms has been released.

Law enforcement sources confirmed Greg Hightower as the man who allegedly shot his wife to death in the Humble area.

SEE PREVIOUS STORY: Military recruiter kills wife as NCIS interviews her about domestic abuse allegations, sheriff says

A woman is dead after investigators said her husband shot her and an NCIS agent. The husband was later shot and killed by deputies after allegedly opening fire. More in the video a

The shooting unfolded Thursday afternoon as the Naval Criminal Investigative Services were interviewing Hightower's wife about a report she made against him being abusive.

Authorities say the NCIS agents stepped out of the home at some point and that's when Hightower walked into the house with a gun, shot his wife, and left.

Hightower then reportedly encountered the NCIS agents in front of the house and exchanged gunfire. One agent was hit and is stable in the hospital.

Authorities said Hightower then drove to northwest Harris County, where Precinct 4 deputies found him parked outside his mother's house after she called 911.

Pct. 4 deputies said there was a second shootout in which Hightower was killed.

While authorities have not released the name of the woman killed, ABC13 discovered she was 34 years old.

Investigators say Harris County Sheriff's Offic3e deputies were called to their house twice before regarding domestic violence incidents.

The first time was said to be back in July when investigators said the wife accused Hightower of hitting her. However, Hightower claimed the same thing, so prosecutors didn't take any charges.

The second call to authorities was made two days before the deadly shooting. HCSO told ABC13 the woman called to ask how to file a restraining order.

ABC13 reached out to the U.S. Navy about the shooting and received this response:

"We are aware of the shooting incident in Harris County, TX, involving one of our personnel, and we are fully cooperating with NCIS and law enforcement as they continue their investigation. Our hearts go out to the family of the victim, the injured NCIS agent, and to those affected by the tragedy. For further information, please contact the Harris County Sheriffs Office."-- CDR Dave Benham, USN, APR+M

This is just one example of what authorities call a much bigger issue in Harris County, where they say more than 35% of homicides are related to domestic violence.