Woman charged with murder, accused of shooting and killing her wife in NE Houston, HPD says
Investigators said an argument between the two escalated and Portia Phillips, 37, pointed a gun at the victim before it went off.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A 37-year-old woman is charged with murder after police said she called 911 to say she shot and killed her wife.
Officials said the shooting happened early Thursday morning at a home in the 8600 block of Doris Oaks Circle in northeast Houston.
According to the Houston Police Department, Portia Phillips was arguing with her 38-year-old wife when things got out of hand.
Phillips allegedly pointed a gun at her wife before it went off, hitting and killing her.
That's when she reportedly called police around 1:20 a.m. and said she had shot her wife.
HPD said when officers arrived, Phillips met them at the door, immediately surrendered, and pointed them up to the bedroom, where they found her wife dead, lying on the bed.
Police said Phillips had blood on her face and arms. She was taken to the Harris County Jail, and charges were filed.
Investigators said it appeared the victim was shot one time. They believe the suspect tried to give her wife CPR as she was instructed by the dispatcher while police were on the way.
Police said it was unclear what the couple was fighting about.
"Talking with some of the neighbors, there have been a few disturbances out here. But as far as calls for service in the past, we haven't had any calls for service at this residence," Lt. I. Izaguirre said.
There were no other people home when the shooting happened, HPD said.
If you are ever in a domestic violence situation, there is help available.
Here are two hotlines you can call:
- Houston Area Women's Center - 713-528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
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