Woman killed while leaving home to go to work

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston woman has been found dead outside her apartment, and leaving many unanswered questions. Her family is hoping someone can lead police to her killer.

Police spent Monday morning looking through the woman's home in southwest Houston. Family members say the victim was a mother of four children, the youngest 11 years old. Police found the woman's body in between two apartments on Peacock Hills around 4:30am.

Family members identify the victim as 43-year old Rita Salton, 43, and say her nickname was Candy.

Gina Gabba, the victim's cousin, said, "She was very funny. You could ask her for anything. She'd do anything for you, she'll go out of her way. That's just how we were brought up as kids."

Police responded to calls of gunshots fired early Monday morning. The victim was leaving for work when she was killed.

Sgt. Thomas Simmons with HPD Homicide explained, "There are some items missing from the scene. We are conducting this as a robbery at this time."

For hours after the shooting, a steady stream of friends and family members arrived at the scene.

"This tragedy that happened is really uncalled for," said James Myles, the victim's uncle. "It should have never happened."

Family members have one message for whoever did this.

"What I'd really like to say, I can't say. But please give yourself up," Myles said.