Authorities have identified the victim in the fatal Crosby-area shooting as 21-year-old Maysie Murphy, who was found deceased inside a residence in the 17800 block of Adlong Johnson Road near U.S. Highway 90 after deputies responded to reports of gunfire late Monday night.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, investigators arrested 55-year-old Courtney Smith in connection with the case. Smith has been formally charged with murder following the preliminary investigation.
Officials stated that Smith called 911 and claimed she had killed her granddaughter and her granddaughter’s boyfriend. When deputies arrived at the residence, they discovered Murphy suffering from gunshot wounds inside the home. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later confirmed that no male victim was found at the property and that Murphy was not related to Smith despite statements made during the emergency call.
Authorities also revealed that Smith had made earlier calls throughout the day reporting that she was “seeing demons,” information detectives are now reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division and Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene and collected evidence before Smith was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail.
Detectives confirmed that Smith and Murphy were acquaintances, though officials have not yet publicly clarified the nature of their relationship or what may have led to the deadly encounter.
The case remains under active investigation as detectives continue piecing together the timeline of events. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers.
Murphy’s death has left the community shaken as family members, friends, and loved ones mourn the tragic loss of a young life cut short.