HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Harris County sheriff deputies said a 14-year-old is in the hospital after being shot by another 14-year-old.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the teen was shot at the Villa Springs complex on Sunday. He said the injured teen was taken to the hospital, and the other teen was detained.
The shooting occurred just days after the Houston City Council discussed gun-related incidents involving kids.
Last week, at the city council public safety committee, officials discussed a new dashboard that shows information about gun-related incidents. It shows that last year, there were nearly 170 ER trips for kids 14 and under from gun-related incidents.
Howard Pryor, a Texas Children’s pediatric surgeon, told council members how devastating these calls can be.
“They typically require urgent and very dramatic operative interventions in order to save their life and require the types of resources that can only be found at a massive children’s hospital like ours,” Pryor explained.
Council members said the dashboard is about more than just seeing the data. It allows them to put resources in areas hit hardest by this violence. They say the goal is to educate parents so children don’t have access to guns, and to teach teens to solve fights without weapons.
As for how the teenager may have gotten access to the gun, ABC13 is still waiting for more information from deputies.
A devastating act of domestic violence left eight children dead early Sunday in Shreveport, according to police. Authorities say the victims, ranging in age from 1 to 14, were found inside and around a home in the Cedar Grove neighborhood following reports of gunfire.
What Police Say Happened
Officers responding around 6 a.m. discovered multiple victims across three connected crime scenes, including two neighboring homes and a nearby residence. Seven children were found inside one home, while another was discovered outside, appearing to have tried to escape.
Investigators identified the suspect as Shamar Elkins, who police say was the father of several of the victims. After the shootings, authorities allege he carjacked a vehicle and fled, prompting a police chase into Bossier Parish, where he was shot and killed by officers.
Victims and Injuries
In addition to the eight children killed, two adults survived with gunshot wounds and are believed to have been attacked by the same suspect. Police confirmed the children included siblings and a cousin.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials described the scene as one of the most disturbing cases the department has encountered. Wayne Smith said investigators are working to determine exactly what led to the violence.
Local and state leaders, including Mike Johnson and Jeff Landry, issued statements expressing grief and support for the victims’ families.
Community in Mourning
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the incident “one of the worst tragedies” in the city’s history. As the investigation continues, the community is grappling with the scale of the loss and the impact of domestic violence.
For more on this tragic family violence story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Cool conditions continue early this week with showers returning to Southeast Texas pretty quickly as well.
Temperatures Monday morning will remain cool, in the low to mid 50s as clouds move in and lead to more of a cloudy day. There’s also the chance for showers west of I-45 starting off in the morning hours, but more so in the afternoon. Scattered showers will continue to push in from the west where some light rain could impact your afternoon and evening in Houston. Generally the rain chance along and east of I-45 is about a 30% chance, where west of I-45 and closer to the Hill Country is about a 40 to 60% chance. More widespread rain is expected Tuesday.
How long does this cooler weather stick around for?
Below normal temperatures will stick around Southeast Texas through Wednesday thanks to weekend cold front and our next weather system moving in. Cloudy conditions and showers will keep afternoon highs in the low-mid 70s with morning lows through Wednesday staying within the 50s. By Thursday is when we should see a spike in temperatures with afternoon highs climbing back into the 80s.
What’s bringing this next chance for rain?
A disturbance in South Texas will pass by and offshore to the Gulf early this week. So Southeast Texas will be on the northern extent of this system and the rain it could send to southcentral Texas. There will still be enough drier air overhead to limit rain across most of the region on Monday, though areas west of I-45 could receive a few rounds of light to moderate showers during the day. The better chance for more widespread rain will be on Tuesday with a few more rounds of showers possible on Wednesday. So keep the umbrella handy this week! And at this time no severe weather is expected, but a few areas that receive the heaviest downpours could have some minor street flooding.
What’s the early outlook for next weekend?
Temperatures will rise back into the 80s by the weekend and so will the humidity. A few showers and storms are possible each day Friday through Sunday, though no day looks to be a washout at this time.
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — What’s a great way to celebrate Earth Month, offload electronics you no longer use, and help a local business ring in its 30th anniversary?
How about joining ABC13 and CompuCycle for the 19th annual ABC13 Earth Day E-Cycle Drive, an event focused on helping our communities safely recycle electronics.
From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, you can stop by CompuCycle at 8019 Kempwood Dr., Houston, TX 77055 to drop off old or unwanted electronics.
1 of 10
Take a look through some of the action (and big equipment donations!) during 2025’s drive at CompuCycle.
CompuCycle, who is celebrating 30 years in business and sponsoring this event, will take care of the rest, and you can leave knowing you’ve played a part in reducing harmful e-waste.
You don’t even have to get out of your car as the CompuCycle team will assist once you arrive.
Each year, the amount of electronic waste dropped off for recycling has grown with the drive hitting 100,000 pounds or more multiple times over the years.
In fact, ABC13’s Earth Day E-Cycle Drive holds the Guinness World Record for the largest single day e-waste collection, set in 2014 when we collected 138,174 lbs. of electronics.
But records were meant to be broken!
We want to top that this year. Will you help us?
Here’s what else to know before the big day.
How much is it?
Free! You can drop off and all will be handled at no cost to you. No appointment necessary.
Is there anything I should prepare?
Yes! Before you drop off electronics, back up any important data and perform a factory reset on devices that store personal information. Remove any accessories like cables and chargers.
What can I drop off?
Old computers and phones are just the tip of the iceberg. CompuCycle accepts various items from fax machines and Wi-Fi extenders to e-readers, MP3 players, streaming devices, and charging cables.
So whether you have one device or several, you can drop them off during the drive.
What happens to my electronics after I drop them off?
Once collected, CompuCycle sorts your old electronics, hard drives are wiped clean for your safety, and all materials are then processed for use in new consumer products.
Goods are also recycled in compliance with their e-Stewards certification, according to CompuCycle’s website, adding that they will guarantee secure data destruction on all devices with storage capabilities to protect your personal information.
Why does safely recycling electronics matter?
Diverting hundreds of thousands of pounds of e-waste from Houston landfills promotes a healthier city, preventing the release of toxins in our air, soil and water.
Typically, the impact and response during the drive is great.
In 2024, ABC13 viewers recycled the equivalent of 382 refrigerators worth of electronic waste.
240.92 lbs. of toxic metals diverted
Reduction of 45.37 metric tons of greenhouse gas
Saved 383.72 gallons of oil
Like removing nearly 10 cars from the road
293.60 cubic yards of landfill space saved
3,736,637.20 hours of electricity saved
What if I can’t make it?
We really want to see you on Friday, April 24, but we know things happen.
CompuCycle accepts drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Business deliveries can be scheduled by calling (713) 869-6700.
In addition, both residential and corporate drop-offs are welcome during the drive.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Charges have been filed against a suspect wanted in the death of a missing pregnant woman, who was found in southwest Houston, the Houston Police Department said.
Police say that 24-year-old Kevin Faux was charged with the murder of the 23-year-old woman.
Sources told ABC13 that the woman’s remains are believed to be those of Ashanti Allen, who was eight months pregnant and was last seen on April 8 in the 8700 block of Main Street.
According to HPD, investigators discovered the woman’s body at Chimney Rock Park at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Investigators learned that Faux is the father of the victim’s unborn child.
“She was very caring, she tries to see the best in everyone, and by her doing that, it cost her her life,” Trisa Gaines Colbert, Allen’s mother, said.
Allen’s mother tells ABC13 she knew something wasn’t right from the beginning.
“Also, when she missed her appointment on Tuesday the 14th – I already knew she was gone, a mother knows,” Gaines Colbert said.
She also said she was not shocked when investigators released Faux as a suspect in her daughter’s death.
“I knew all along that he did something to my child,” Colbert said. “Oh no, oh no, I was not, but unfortunately, my daughter did not let me know what she was going through.”
According to court records, Faux spent time behind bars for assaulting Ashanti on at least three different occasions last September, grabbing her by her neck, pinning her down, and slapping her.
Records show he was sentenced in February to 250 days, given credit for some time served, and released early.
Her family said they did not know about this.
“I’m going to say it all over the nation, if something is going on with your relationship please let your momma, your daddy, your daddy, your sister, your brother know because if we had any grip or any indication that something was going bad, we could’ve fixed it and she would still be here right now,” Allen’s father, Edward Allen, said.
Her siblings now remember their baby sister.
“I just want you to know that I always love you and I’m going to remember you, till the day I die. I love you so much, sister, I love you,” her older sister, Marché Peevy, said.
“We were there for you. I just wish you knew that. And you were comfortable to tell us anything that was going on so that this wouldn’t be the outcome, we love you and we miss you and we will never let your name die,” her older brother, Xavier Gaines, said.
For the suspect, Kevin Faux, her family said they want justice to be served.
“Turn yourself in,” Edward Allen said.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Kevin Faux, or in this case, is urged to contact HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
If you need help getting out of a domestic violence situation, call the Houston Area Women’s Center 24/7 hotline at 713-528-2121 or call AVDA at 713-224-9911. You can also click here to chat with an advocate online. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and need help, call 713-528-3625.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two men have been arrested after thousands of gift cards were allegedly stolen from Houston and Austin area stores, according to investigators.
Investigators believe the men were stealing gift cards, peeling back the scratch protectors and copying down activation codes and serial numbers before returning the cards to store shelves.
They were then able to make online purchases using the codes after customers bought the cards and loaded them with money.
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center began investigating March 17 after employees at the Walgreens on Kuykendahl and FM 2920 in Spring saw a man hanging around the gift card display and then found 15 altered gift cards.
Investigators say the same man was seen at other Walgreens, CVS and Dollar Tree stores with accomplices.
On March 20, they say he visited 22 Houston area stores in a rented car and stole more than 1,000 gift cards.
According to a search warrant, the thefts continued March 30 at 31 Austin area stores.
The next day, investigators arrested Houjie Lin and Yi-Hsun Wu at a Walgreens in Buda, Texas.
They say they found 80 gift cards in the suspects’ car as well as two Taiwanese passports.
When they searched the suspects’ Austin hotel room on April 1, they say they found more than 3,000 gift cards.
Investigators believe the theft ring was operating out of a home in Sharpstown. During an April 10 search, they said they found 277 bundles of gift cards.
No one answered when Eyewitness News knocked Saturday.
Records show Lin has since bonded out of the Hays County Jail while Wu is being held by ICE.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A cold front brought some very welcome rain yesterday, and today we dry out. There’s a few lingering sprinkles along the coast, but it’s mostly dry behind this front.
How cool will it get behind this front?
Temperatures this morning have dipped into the low 50s and will warm into the low 70s. We’ll see similar temperatures tomorrow too. The average high this time of year is around 80, and the average low is around 60.
What’s the outlook for next week?
Monday should be nice and dry for most of the day, but light showers could spread in from the west toward the evening. Monday night we expect that disturbance to blow in from the west, pushing rain chances to 60% for Tuesday. This disturbance could keep rain chances around through the week. Another storm system looks to impact us the final weekend of April, with thunderstorm chances climbing for next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday..
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LOS ANGELES — A bizarre insurance fraud scheme involving a bear costume has led to convictions for three California residents after authorities uncovered staged damage to luxury vehicles.
“Operation Bear Claw” Uncovered
According to the California Department of Insurance, the suspects orchestrated fake animal attacks in 2024 using a person dressed as a bear. The group allegedly targeted high-end vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes-Benz models, to support fraudulent insurance claims totaling nearly $142,000.
Evidence Revealed the Truth
The suspects submitted videos showing what appeared to be a bear inside the cars, causing damage such as scratches on seats and doors. However, a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reviewed the footage and determined it was “clearly a human in a bear suit.”
Investigators later executed a search warrant and discovered the costume at one of the suspects’ homes, confirming the staged nature of the incidents.
Sentences and Ongoing Case
Two men and one woman from the Los Angeles area pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud. They were sentenced to a weekend jail program and probation, with two defendants ordered to pay more than $50,000 in restitution. A fourth individual is expected to appear in court later this year.
Real Bear Encounters on the Rise
While this case was fabricated, real bear encounters are increasingly common across California, from Lake Tahoe to suburban areas near Los Angeles. Wildlife officials report bears frequently search for food in neighborhoods, sometimes entering homes or rummaging through trash.
Roughly 1,000 demonstrators gathered as part of a campaign led by Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs. Authorities say 300–400 protesters tried to breach the property, damaging barriers and clashing with law enforcement. Multiple arrests were made, including activist leader Wayne Hsiung.
Despite the effort, no dogs were removed during the raid.
Long-Running Controversy
Ridglan Farms houses nearly 2,000 beagles and has faced years of scrutiny. The facility agreed to give up its state breeding license by July 1 following a legal settlement but continues operating under a federal research license.
A previous March raid resulted in 30 dogs being taken, though most were later returned.
Conflicting Claims
Activists argue the dogs are being mistreated and are pushing for their release. Ridglan denies wrongdoing, stating inspections by federal authorities have found no evidence of abuse and that its research supports treatments for canine diseases.
What’s Next
With the license deadline approaching, tensions remain high. Protesters later shifted demonstrations to a local jail where arrested participants were being held.
The failed raid highlights a growing standoff between activists, law enforcement, and a controversial research facility—with the fate of thousands of dogs still unresolved.
The three-judge panel granted an administrative stay, pausing a lower court order that had blocked above-ground construction. The decision allows work to proceed for now as judges review an emergency appeal from the administration of Donald Trump.
The court emphasized the stay is procedural and not a final ruling on the legality of the project.
Legal Dispute Ongoing
Last month, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the ballroom could not be built without approval from Congress. He later clarified that certain security-related and below-ground work could continue.
The lawsuit was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argues the project requires federal review and public input before construction can proceed.
What Happens Next
The appeals court is expected to hear arguments on June 5, which could determine whether construction continues or is halted again.
Project Background
Plans for the roughly 90,000-square-foot ballroom were announced in 2025, with demolition of part of the East Wing beginning soon after.
Construction can move forward for now, but the future of the White House ballroom project remains uncertain as courts weigh its legality.
