On January 3rd, Police in Texas released a composite sketch of the suspect wanted in connection with the murder of 7-year old Jazmine Barnes, whose death has since gained national attention. Since then the case has taken a positive turn and police were able to make an arrest.
What Happened ?
On Sunday morning, Jazmine, her mother LaPorsha Washington, and Jazmine’s three siblings were on their way to get coffee in Harris County, Texas.
According to the Police, a gunman, who the police later described as a white man in his thirties or forties, drove up in a red pickup truck, opened fire on her car, and then sped away. Washington, who was shot in the arm, drove off and then stopped to call 911.
One of Washington’s daughters noticed that Jazmine was not breathing, and when Washington turned to the back seat she say that Jazmine had been shot in the head. Paramedics arrived but Jazmine died before they reached the hospital. Since then, the Texas girl’s senseless death has garnered nationwide attention.
Suspect Still on the Loose – Until Today
Tips have poured into investigators in Harris County, but the suspect is still on the loose. UNTIL TODAY
On Thursday, January 3, the Harris County Sherriff’s Office released a suspect sketch compiled from descriptions from Jazmine’s family members who survived the attack.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office also released an enhanced surveillance video of a red pickup the gunman was driving at the time of the shooting.
There are questions as to whether or not Jazmine’s death was racially motivated, but for now, the police are have given priority to catching the killer. “We’re not going to rest until we find justice for Jazmine,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told reporters.
In the meantime, the public has vague descriptions of what to look for: a white man with blue eyes, with a 5 o’clock shadow, in his 40s, and the red, extended-cab pickup. Washington stated that the suspect looked ‘sick” and skinny.
All evidence gathered so far in the Jazmine Barnes Homicide case supports investigators’ strong belief that she and her family were innocent victims. #JusticeforJazmine #hounews— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) January 6, 2019
Solidarity in Grief
A $100,000 reward is now available for information leading to the arrest of the killer, social justice activist Shaun King announced.
And more than 1,600 donors have contributed to a GoFundMe account for Jazmine’s funeral expenses and family, as the girl’s mother recovers from a gunshot wound and some of her three sisters recover from injuries caused by shattered glass in the attack.
DeAndre Hopkins, a star wide receiver with the Houston Texans, pledged Thursday to donate his playoff paycheck this week to the family of the late Jazmine Barnes, the 7-year-old who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Texas.
“When I see Jazmine Barnes’ face, I see my own daughter,” Mr. Hopkins said in a tweet. He added he would pledge his game check to help the family with funeral costs.
Jazmine will be memorialized Tuesday during the “Justice for Jazmine Barnes Community Rally.” The event will honor “all murdered victims in Houston/Harris County,” organizers said.
Services for Jazmine will begin at 10 a.m. local time Tuesday (Jan. 8) with a viewing at Green House International Church, followed by her funeral at noon. Afterward, mourners will release purple balloons in her memory.
UPDATE: The Arrest
A man was charged with capital murder in the shooting of 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes. Investigators identified Eric Black Jr. (20 years old) as a suspect based on a tip. He was arrested and has admitted to taking part in the shooting, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement early Sunday.
“Investigators are continuing to pursue evidence that could possibly lead to other suspects being charged in this case,” the statement said. “At this time, investigators do not believe Jazmine’s family was the intended target of the shooting, and that they were possibly shot as a result of mistaken identity.”
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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner had a few words as well. He said the arrest “should serve as a warning to all violent offenders who prey on our community” that they will be arrested eventually. “It’s now my hope that justice will prevail and that Jazmine’s family will find some comfort knowing the alleged gunman is off the street.”
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, more info is on the way. In a tweet released by Harris County Sheriff’s Office Saturday night, they informed the public that the Homicide Investigation has taken a new direction and more details will be released very soon.
The Jazmine Barnes Homicide investigation has taken a new direction. Detectives are in the process of interviewing persons of interest. More details will be released as soon as possible. #hounews #JusticeForJazmine pic.twitter.com/iouadEvQHW
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) January 6, 2019
#JusticeForJazmine
Please continue to pray for Jazmine and her family.
