HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Students in Spring ISD and Dickinson ISD will be in class today. Those districts scheduled Memorial Day as a makeup day if classes are canceled during the school year. Both school districts canceled classes on February 4 due to ice. The Texas Education Agency requires districts to make up missed days.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »Murder charges against this minor were filed around 1am. He is in custody at the Galveston County Juvenile Detention Center in connection with the violent murder of Wright.
Detectives believe Wright was stabbed to death by someone she knew. There were no signs of forced entry and neighbors say she would never open the door for a stranger.
"There appeared to be no signs of a struggle, but one of the rooms was definitely ransacked," said Det. Sgt. Shawn Spruil with the La Marque Police Department.
The motive is still unclear. It's now up to the district attorney's office whether or not to charge this teenager as an adult.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local » HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston man remains in the hospital after police say he was shot through the door of his northeast side home. Police say around 4:30am Monday, someone opened fire on the man's mobile home at Alderson and Lathrop. The suspect was reportedly spotted driving back by the crime scene while police were there, but an arrest has not been made. At last check, the victim was in serious but stable condition.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »
Genuine emeralds--May's birthstone--mark the center of these fancy floral drop earrings, made from 925 sterling silver. The bezel-set stones are surrounded by petal-like swirls and dots and the earrings are suspended from comfortable french hooks. Offer these earrings to someone with a May birthday, or grab a pair for yourself.Price: $54.00
HUMBLE, TX (KTRK) -- A man was recovering Sunday after being shot in Humble overnight. According to Humble police, the 34-year-old victim was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital by LifeFlight around 10pm Saturday with a gunshot wound to the chest. His condition Sunday was unknown. Investigators said he was shot at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Ferguson at Isaacks.
Authorities said they are still questioning a possible suspect and some witnesses.
The case is under investigation.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »
Firefighters are battling an out-of-control wildfire in Montgomery County
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- In Montgomery County, firefighters are battling an out-of-control wildfire. Winds gusting up to 25 miles per hour keep pushing the fire northwest along the Montgomery-San Jacinto county line. The Texas Forest Service says the fire started near Cut and Shoot and has grown to about 200 acre -- most of it inside the Sam Houston National Forest. "We have a large woods fire. A very windy dry day on Memorial Day and we have several crawler tractors that are working on the fire and several helicopters also," said Ralph Cullom of the U.S. Forest Service. Crews had the fire contained to 150 acres before the flames jumped the line Monday night. Firefighters are trying to cut a new line in front of the flames. The Forestry Service says it does not know how this fire started. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) 
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Opening statements begin today for a man accused of killing two teen girls before leaving their bodies in a burning house.
Police say Jean was trying to set fire to his girlfriend's home in retaliation for an argument, when the girls caught him in the act. Police say he beat 17-year-old Chelsey Lang and 16-year-old Ashley Johnson with a bat and then started the fire.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
A man is dead after he was accidentally shot at a party in southeast Houston overnight
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man is dead after he was accidentally shot at a party in southeast Houston overnight, say police. It happened at a home on Hereford near Reveille Police say a family was celebrating Memorial Day in their backyard. Two men had their handguns and were comparing them when one of them accidentally discharged. The bullet hit the victim in the chest and he died. No word yet if anyone will face charges.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was dead and a woman and two babies were injured Sunday in a crash in north Houston. The accident happened around 1:45am Sunday on Yale at Patrick. Investigators said a white sports utility vehicle with two adults and two infants was traveling north on Yale when the driver lost control and veered off the road.
The SUV went into a ditch and rolled over.
According to officials, the male passenger was ejected and died at the scene. The female driver and the two infants were transported to an area hospital in serious but stable condition.
It was unknown Sunday what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local » HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Memorial Day weekend morning at the pool ended tragically Sunday in southwest Houston.
The victim -- an older man -- was pulled from a swimming pool. Attempts were made to resuscitate the man, but he was dead by the time emergency responders arrived.
Paramedics at the scene said it appears the man had a medical issue while swimming that led to the drowning.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)District officials say a fight that broke out Thursday started over a cell phone. The fight sent three teachers to the hospital. All of them are back on the job.
A mother and daughter also headed back to class feel it's OK to return.
"I feel good," said parent Shawntay Bell. "I feel good about it, I don't feel bad about it."
"Just be careful, watch out, and hopefully nothing happens," said student Alasia Davis.
The other students we talked to say, as promised by the school district, they definitely experienced an increase in security when it comes to officer presence and leaving class.
Student Mohammad Rehmat said, "If you really need to go, you can go. Otherwise, if you need to go to the library, can't leave class."
"I've seen officers just about everywhere I go, blocking off certain places," said student Joseph Strane.
With six students facing discipline, the district is hoping the increased security will keep the campus free of fighting.
Strane said, "That's what students do, but I think because it's the end of the year, they're starting to do it more."
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local » HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police are awaiting autopsy results in the death of a woman found in northwest Harris County. The Houston Police Department says patrol officers responded to a deceased person call about 7:30pm Thursday in the parking lot of a business at 2216 Pech Road after workers found a woman unresponsive. Houston Fire Department emergency personnel arrived and pronounced Louann Harris, 56, dead of unknown causes. A preliminary investigation indicated there are no signs of foul play in this incident. The investigation is pending Harris' cause of death to be determined by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »"This is a candle that we made during our confirmation year," said former student Jimmy Pham.
Pham remembers her teachings well.
"She really had a happy soul. Every time you look at her, she was smiling and she was so influential," said Pham.
Do was so inspiring to so many at Vietnamese Martyrs Church.
"She taught us a lot, how to get through life," said Mary Pham. "She always encouraged us to never give up."
Do of the Vietnamese Dominican Sisters was killed while driving to church early Sunday morning. Police in the city of South Houston say 19-year-old Marcos Garza ran a stop sign and struck her. He's suspected of drinking and driving and is now charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Her work as director of religious education impacted thousands of young people and she was working on the next class of graduates.
"I'm pretty sure she really loved me," said student Minh Nguyen. "This is me at the awards ceremony. She looked at me and smiled. She was like a mother to me and I really miss her."
"I'm so sad but now I believe sister is in heaven," said Minh's father, Thuan Nguyen.
There was something about the way she connected to her students.
"Her mind was not like most nuns," said former student Joseph Nguyen. "Most nuns are a little bit more strict than her, she was a little more lenient among the youth and she understands us a little bit better."
That makes her irreplaceable.
"I really want her to come back," said Minh.
Her sisters at Mary Immaculate Province were best able to talk about her by releasing a statement that in part invites the suspect and his family to attend her funeral and mass on Saturday.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »When you go to Houston, there are many things waiting for you to marvel. Houston attractions are a must see when you go to Texas. They are indeed marvels to both young and old, male or female. Nobody, not even the past feeling, can neglect these Houston attractions.
There are at least 6 Houston attractions you can enjoy. They are: Space Center Houston (NASA), Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Resources, Houston Zoo, and the Health Museum. The one that is most favored among all the Houston attractions is the Aquarium. You may ask why this is considered to be the most favored. Here are five reasons to see the Houston Aquarium:
1. Uniqueness. Among all the Houston Attractions there are, the Aquarium is the most distinct because what you can see here is not the usual things you see wherever you go. The things that you can see here you must need to go deep to see because as the name implies, the Houston Aquarium hold creatures of the deep.
2. Hundreds of Species. Here in the Aquarium waits hundreds of species to be noted and appreciated. For sure, you will see the splendor of the deep when you visit this place as one of the many Houston attractions available. This is one way to learn while having fun.
3. Interactions with the creatures. In the Houston Aquarium, you do not just get to see the creatures of the deep, all those hundreds of species, but you can interact with them by playing with them or feeding them. This would add to the fun of the experience and the learning. By interacting with them, the memory of the moment will remain clearer within you.
4. White Tigers. Yes, also found in the Houston Aquarium are the magnificent white tigers of Maharajah's Temple. They are truly amazing to view since the common tigers are striped yellow. They are just glorious to look at in white. This is also why it is best to visit Houston Attractions, specifically the Houston Aquarium because not only they offer sea creatures but they also offer to behold rare land animals.
5. Never get Hungry. In this Houston Aquarium is found sumptuous restaurants to satisfy your appetite. This way, you do not have to worry about getting hungry while watching all those sea creatures and having a glimpse of those amazing tigers. There are very accessible restaurants just around the bend at the Houston Aquarium.
There you have it. The five reasons why you must see the Houston aquarium! This would surely be one place where your dreams do come true.
The next time you are in Houston, make sure to take the time to visit the Houston Aquarium and other Houston attractions. This is a great way to spend time with the family this summer!
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are working to rescue horses trapped when their trailer overturned in southeast Houston. The horse trailer flipped on its side in the northbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway at the South Loop. At least two horses appeared to be inside. They both appear to be unhurt after rescue workers helped them out of the trailer. There's no word on what caused the accident.
No other details were immediately available. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local » HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A computer was left on overnight, sparking a fire that nearly destroyed an entire home. The fire was at a house on Norham St. at W. Hardy Rd. in north Houston. The family left home to go to the store Friday night. When they returned and opened the front door, the house was already filled with smoke, so they ran back out and called 9-1-1.
The Houston Fire Department responded around 10:45pm. When they arrived at the scene, heavy flames were shooting from an upstairs window.
Firefighters made a fast attack and got the extinguished the blaze before it consumed the entire house.
According to investigators, the electrical fire started in an upstairs bedroom where a computer was left on.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest city in the state of Texas. Founded in 1836, Houston has fast made a name for itself as a key industrial city for energy, aeronautics and transportation and has a vast population of about 2.2. million people.
By the mid 1800s Houston had established itself as a commercial and railroad hub for the export of cotton and this, along with the increased production of the local shipbuilding industry after World War II, caused the city to swell in size.
The city is now recognised world-wide for its energy industry in addition to its biomedical research and aeronautics. Houston now boasts 5 out of the 6 major energy companies - ConocoPhillips, Exxon-Mobil, Shell Oil, Chevron and BP. The area is also popular for building oilfield equipment thanks to the Port of Houston. The port is the 10th largest port in the world and ranks first in the United States for international commerce.
Houston office space is favoured by many high profile companies - in fact, after New York City it has the most Fortune 500 companies based there. Key organisations in the Houston area include the Texas Medical Centre, the world's largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions, and NASA's Johnson Space Centre.
In addition to having high quality Houston office space, the area is also one of the best cities in America for jobs. Between 2007 and 2008 the Houston area added 42,500 private sector jobs to the US economy, registering the largest gain in private sector jobs across all US cities.
The city is a multicultural area due to its rich tapestry of academic institutions (17 school districts and more than 60 colleges serve the city) and industries. The metropolitan area is home to roughly 1.1 million residents with nearly two-thirds of the area's foreign-born population from the south of the US/Mexico border.
Houston is also a key area for culture. The downtown Theatre District is home to 9 major performing arts organisations and 6 performance halls. Houston is one of the only cities in the US with permanent, professional companies in all performing arts disciplines, including opera (Houston Grand Opera) and music (Houston Symphony Orchestra). The Bayou Bend facility of the Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of America's best collections of decorative arts, paintings and furniture, while The Alley Theatre plays host to Houston's professional theatre company.
Houston also has a very heavy sports influence and has a professional team for nearly every sport - only the NHL is not represented. The Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros) and the Reliant Astrodome are huge tourist attractions in Houston as are the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Rich in green space, Houston has the biggest total area of green space and parks out of the 10 most populated US cities. In total the area has over 200 green spaces, which includes the Williams Waterfall.
Rich in culture, jobs and creativity; Houston has a thriving, growing company which is ideal for any family looking for a new home. Perfect for sports-lovers and theatre fans alike; Houston really does have something for everyone, no matter what their tastes or likes.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A driver lost control of a pickup truck, crashing through several yards and even smashing a portion of a house.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The driver accused of running over and killing a toll booth worker appeared in probable cause court overnight. Julie Little's bond was set at $30,000 and she was given another court date. "Ms. Little, a warrant has been issued for your arrest for the felony offense of intoxicated manslaughter in a motor vehicle. You will hear the basis for the warrant when you arrive in court," said a court clerk.
Investigators say Little was drunk when she lost control of her car and hit Sheila Lindsey on the North Beltway Wednesday night. Tests proved Little's blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local » Demond FernandezHOUSTON (KTRK) -- Under the proposed budget approved Saturday by the Texas Legislature, the Houston Independent School District would lose out on nearly $200 million over the next two years. The district has been making cuts to deal with the lack of funding, but administrators, parents and teachers are speaking out about this budget decision.
They all say that school districts like HISD are in some serious trouble.
"I think that it's a lot of politics and the kids are suffering," parent Taryn Phillips said.
HISD could stand to lose more than $78 million dollars in state funding next school year, and the estimates hit the district even harder in 2013 with $126 million in cuts approved by the Senate and House.
"Of course our economy needs a lot of help right now, but still you got to think about the children, and think about, 'Is it worth cutting back on that or other things?'" parent Julia Smith said.
After learning about its budget reduction estimates from the state, HISD released a statement.
"Schools in Houston and elsewhere will still suffer significantly in years to come," the statement read.
"The substantial reduction in state funding will undoubtedly have an impact in our students' education," it continued.
Gayle Fallon with the Houston Federation of Teachers agrees.
"Parents are not going to like what school looks like next year because they're going to have kids coming back to very large classes," Fallon said.
Fallon predicts the state's budget estimates may lead to unsafe and understaffed schools.
She says one of the only solutions could be an unpopular one if the school board lessens the burden by raising taxes.
"As a taxpayer in Houston, I'm not thrilled with a tax increase, but I'd rather pay the money now than pay it into the criminal justice system when we turn out an illiterate generation that can't get a job," Fallon said.
Parents, HISD administrators and the teachers union all say they will be waiting and watching to see what lawmakers ultimately decide.
The district has already laid off employees, cut programs and closed schools to make up part of the expected budget gap, but trustees believe their only option could be a roughly 4 cent tax rate hike.
The district's current tax rate is 1-15 per $100 valuation.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local » HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A neighborhood jogging regular was killed in a hit and run pedestrian accident early Saturday, police said. The collision happened around 2:30am Saturday on the Katy Freeway feeder road, westbound at W. Sam Houston Pkwy. According to investigators, the victim was jogging like he does regularly in that area when he was struck by an unknown vehicle.
The vehicle that hit him fled the scene, officials said.
Another car driving on the feeder saw the body lying in the roadway and called police.
The man was transported to Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital where he later died.
There are no known witnesses and no parts of a car were found at the scene.
Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. All tipsters remain anonymous.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A tragic accident on the Beltway as a custodian was just doing her job at a toll booth when she was struck and killed. One investigator said it's the most horrific scene he's ever seen.
Another unit arrived and he drove the right way in the southbound lanes, trying to stop the female driver and that's when authorities say she slammed into a guardrail and crashed into a Jeep.
"An officer was going properly in the southbound side," said Lt. Phillip Munoz with the Houston Police Department. "He was putting out information on the radio and trying to get units out there to stop her but before units could get out there, it was too late. She already got into an accident."
Emily Cox, 20, died at the scene, according to police. The man in the Jeep was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.
Authorities believe Cox was intoxicated.
The accident completely shut down the Southwest Freeway northbound at Hillcroft for a couple of hours for the police investigation.
Check real-time traffic information in our ABC13.com traffic section
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local » LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- Police say a double shooting at a home in League City appears to be a murder-suicide. Family members called police saying they were worried about their sister and that she may have been harmed by her husband. Officers arrived at the woman's home on Hidden Colony Ln. at River Ridge around 7pm Friday.
Once inside, authorities say they found the bodies of the woman and her husband in a bathroom.
No one else was hurt. Police said children were in the home at the time. They were found unharmed.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »
A Houston Police Department K9 unit helped track down and catch a teen suspected of armed robbery who was hiding under a house in northeast Houston
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A police helicopter and K9 unit helped officers arrest a teenager accused of armed robbery in northeast Houston. According to investigators, the 16-year-old robbed a Gorditas restaurant customer at gunpoint late Friday night, and then took off on a bicycle.
An officer tried to chase him with a police car, but the teen ditched the bike and ran.
After a 45-minute search, the teen was found hiding under a house on Gale near Gano.
No one was hurt in the robbery or chase.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Day care owner Jessica Tata is charged with murder for the February deaths of four children in a fire at her home. New information came out Friday during a bond hearing and it's been very difficult at times for those who are in the courtroom.
Then the call ends.
Afterwards, the children's families left the courtroom. The mother of victim Elias Castillo was inconsolable. "They want her to receive her punishment, but they feel in order for them to move forward that they have to forgive her. But they still want justice," said a family's attorney. After a day of testimony, the decision came down to three words: Bond reduction denied. "I'm happy. She ain't going nowhere. Everything is in God's hands and God has everything covered," said Keshia Brown, mother of one of the victims. Tata will remain in jail on nine charges related to the Feb. 24 fire that also injured three children. Authorities believe the 23-year-old left all seven children in her care alone while she went shopping, and the fire was ignited by a stove-top burner that was left on. Details emerge of Tata's flight to Nigeria For every life lost and every child injured, there was a family member in court. And there was Tata, wearing handcuffs and her hair cropped short. Friday's bond reduction hearing revealed evidence that will be part of the trial, starting with her flight to Nigeria. An officer with the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force testified, saying that Tata took a Delta flight from Dallas to Lagos, Nigeria, on February 26 with a possible return flight on March 18. Tata claims she turned herself in, but that officer testified she was tracked to her father's compound, that he told Interpol where to find her, and she was taken into custody. Flight risk is why the state opposes her release on bond, as do the families of the four children who died in the fire in February. "They believe in the system. They want to see this system have a chance, to have an opportunity to do what we all feel should be done and what it will do eventually," said one of the victim's attorneys. The prosecution painted Tata as deceptive from the start, beginning at the hospital the night of the fire. On the stand Friday, HFD fire investigator Dorian Green testified. Green: She stated she was in shock and didn't know why she was in the hospital.
Duntavier McCullough was arrested and charged with theft of a firearm and theft. ROSENBERG, TX (KTRK) -- Rosenberg police have arrested a suspect in possession of stolen property. On May 24 at around 10:30pm, Rosenberg police say an officer was dispatched to the 4700 block of Reading Road in reference to a 911 hang-up call. Upon arriving, the officer observed two males in the parking lot in possession of a large flat screen TV. Through an investigation, police determined the TV was recently reported stolen. One of the men was found to be in possession of a stolen handgun as well. Duntavier McCullough was arrested and charged with theft of a firearm and theft. McCullough, 18, was transported to the Fort Bend County Jail. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »
May 23 marked the two year anniversary of the murder of Gabriel Pullam.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are asking for the public's help in solving the murder of a man two years ago. On Saturday, May 23, 2009 at approximately 2:30am, Gabriel Pullam was working as an attendant in a parking lot at the El Tenampa Night Club located at 12534 Market Street. A fight broke out and Pullam was found lying face down in the parking lot. Pullam died at the scene. Two possible suspects were seen leaving the scene in a white Cadillac Escalade. They fled eastbound on Market. The suspects were only described as Hispanic males. The Escalade might have had some damage to the right front end. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at http://www.crime-stoppers.org/ that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspects in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) A mother said, "I plead with the school that they would let those kids walk."
This parent, who agreed to talk with Eyewitness News if we didn't use her name or show her face, is among several who have asked Fort Bend ISD to reconsider letting more than a dozen students walk with their classes during graduation on June 3. The Clements high students were involved in what this parent says was a prank.
"Their senior prank was going to be to move the chairs that were in the gymnasium to the roof of the building," the mother said.On May 13, just after midnight Sugar Land police responded to a burglar alarm at Clements High School. Upon arrival they found several people running out of the back of the school. Nothing was taken, but police say the back door had been pried open.
They caught and arrested three teens: Brian Warshauer, 18, Ali Lilani, 17 and Taylor Ashford, 18. Investigators say each has been arrested on suspicion of burglary of a building, engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest. Warshauer is also accused of possession of a controlled substance.
Those who know the teens say the criminal charges are overzealous.
Clements High School Peter Chin said, "I think that's ridiculous. It depends on motive. They didn't have bad intentions. Nothing was stolen, nothing was broken."
Fort Bend ISD spokesperson Mary Ann Simpson gave the following statement: "Unfortunately, the poor decisions made by the students involved have resulted in some serious and regrettable consequences."
We're told by family and friends that Fort Bend ISD has moved those involved to an alternative campus, barred them from prom and from walking in graduation.
(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have new details in an investigation triggered by our 13 Undercover unit. The Port of Houston has hired famed criminal defense lawyer Rusty Hardin to help respond to the investigations into the port.
