The 21-year-old died outside a north Houston apartment complex late Thursday.
HOUSTON, Texas — A mother told investigators she believes her 21-year-old son was set up before he was shot to death late Thursday outside a north Houston apartment complex.
The shooting was reported just before midnight at the Marybell Apartments in the 22900 block of Imperial Valley Drive, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. A tenant called 911 after hearing gunfire outside the complex. Deputies and EMS crews found the man wounded and tried lifesaving measures, but he died at the scene.
Witnesses described hearing a barrage of shots overnight before emergency crews arrived. Homicide detectives worked through the early morning hours, speaking with residents, gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance video from the property. Investigators also began searching for a vehicle seen leaving the area around the time of the shooting.
The victim’s mother, identified only as Yolanda, said several people had been taking photos with her son shortly before he was killed. She told investigators she believes a young woman and at least one other person were involved. Authorities had not released the victim’s name, any suspect description or a possible motive by Friday morning.
The mother said her son was shot many times and believed the attack was planned. Investigators have not publicly confirmed the number of shots fired or the mother’s account of who pulled the trigger. The case is being treated as a homicide, and detectives are relying on witness statements, video and physical evidence from the apartment complex.
No charges had been announced. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active as detectives work to identify who was in the area and what led to the shooting.
Author note: Last updated May 22, 2026.