HOUSTON, TX — A Houston man is facing murder charges following the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Jakayla Alfred, whose life was cut short in early August.
According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), officers were dispatched at approximately 6:25 p.m. on August 4 to a residence at 705 Lorraine Street, where they discovered Alfred unresponsive from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel pronounced her dead at the scene, marking another devastating incident of gun violence in the city.
Following an extensive investigation, police identified 30-year-old Gustavo Lerma as the primary suspect in Alfred’s death. On Monday, officials confirmed that Lerma has been formally charged with murder in the 209th Criminal District Court. He was taken into custody without incident.
Details surrounding what led to the shooting remain under review, though investigators have described the case as a domestic-related incident. Authorities have not disclosed whether Alfred and Lerma were romantically involved or the nature of their connection, citing the ongoing investigation.
Neighbors described the incident as shocking and tragic, noting that the Lorraine Street community is typically quiet. “It’s heartbreaking to know that a young woman’s life was taken right here in our neighborhood,” one resident said. “You don’t expect something like this to happen so close to home.”
Court documents reveal that Lerma has a history of prior criminal charges, though the details of those cases have not yet been publicly tied to the current allegations. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence in upcoming court proceedings.
Alfred’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but friends have taken to social media to honor her memory, describing her as a vibrant, loving woman who always put others first. Vigils are being planned in her honor, with loved ones emphasizing the need for justice.
HPD investigators are urging anyone with further information related to the shooting to contact the department’s homicide division at 713-308-3600 or to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
As the case moves forward, Lerma remains in custody, and the 209th Criminal District Court will determine the timeline for upcoming hearings.
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