Houston, Texas — A tragic domestic violence incident in Houston has left a woman dead and her young son at the center of a heartbreaking emergency call, according to authorities.
Police say a 44-year-old man, identified as Keith Washington, is accused of murdering his estranged wife, Tynice Friday, months after she filed for divorce. The incident unfolded late at night in a residential neighborhood, where deputies were alerted by the couple’s 6-year-old son.
Child’s 911 Call Leads Deputies to Scene
Around 10 p.m., officers responded to a distress call from the child at a home on Cypress Falls Drive. The boy reportedly told dispatchers that his father had shot his mother inside the house.
When deputies arrived, they found Friday unresponsive. Despite the child’s attempt to help his mother, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities described the situation as deeply distressing, noting the young boy’s effort to seek help in the midst of the violence.
Alleged Break-In and Shooting
Investigators say Washington was not living at the home at the time of the incident. According to initial findings, he allegedly shot through a living room window from outside before entering the house and fatally shooting Friday.
Officials also revealed that the victim had previously expressed fear for her safety due to her husband’s recent behavior.
History of Domestic Violence
Court records indicate that Friday had filed for divorce in December. Authorities also noted a prior incident in 2019 in which Washington was accused of assaulting her by choking. That case was later dropped.
The history has raised concerns about escalating domestic violence leading up to the fatal shooting.
Suspect Apprehended After Standoff
After the shooting, Washington fled the scene in a silver truck. Law enforcement tracked him using aerial support and eventually cornered him on a dead-end road.
During the confrontation, officials say he fired a gunshot from inside the vehicle, leading to a prolonged standoff involving a SWAT team. After several hours, Washington surrendered to authorities.
He has since been taken into custody and is being held in the Harris County Jail without bond.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Washington now faces a murder charge in connection with Friday’s death. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 15.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
