Fairfield Inn employee shot during robbery at Texas City hotel dies

TEXAS CITY, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities are trying to find the suspect responsible for shooting a hotel employee who later died in Texas City.

Officers responded to reports of a robbery at the Fairfield Inn Hotel located at 10700 Emmett F Lowery around 6:45 a.m. on Dec. 22.

Upon arrival, authorities found a 37-year-old employee identified as Teresa Lynn Custer shot. The woman was transported to the hospital by Life Flight. She died Sunday.

Eyewitness News spoke to her former neighbors, and friend, Tracie Albritton, who described Custer as full of life.

"She was just a go-getter," Albritton recalled. "She did things. She made it happen. They were positive. It was kind of like she had the sunshine on her shoulders."

Albritton said Custer worked as a manager at the Fairfield Inn. The company sent Eyewitness News a statement.

"The safety of our employees and guests is our first priority. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Teresa's family and our associates. We are providing assistance to her team members and family as all of us are coping with this senseless tragedy. We are also cooperating with authorities with any assistance and information they need. Any questions should be directed to the Texas City Police Department."

Albritton said Custer had three children. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with expenses.

"They're beautiful boys," Albritton said. "She did so well with them. They're so well mannered. They're good boys. They have big hearts like their mom."

Police couldn't provided Eyewitness News with a good suspect description because he had his face covered during the incident.

The suspect fled the scene in a white pickup truck. If you have any information about the shooting, you're asked to call Crime Stoppers at 409-945-8477.