Houston, Texas – A man has been taken into custody in connection to the tragic death of a mother who was struck by a stray bullet outside a southwest Houston hookah lounge. Shanil Pradia, 27, made an appearance in probable cause court early on Thursday morning, where he faced charges including murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The judge set his bond at $75,000 for the weapon charge, but the decision regarding the murder and assault charges was deferred to Judge Franklin.
The incident took place at the Vegas Hookah Bar and Grill in southwest Houston, where a dispute escalated into violence leading to the fatal shooting. Pradia allegedly discharged nearly 20 shots during the altercation, injuring one man and fatally striking 34-year-old Ruthie McNeese, an innocent bystander. McNeese, who was not involved in the altercation, was just on her way to her car when she was tragically hit in the head by a stray bullet.
McNeese’s family shared their sorrow over her untimely passing, describing her as a hardworking individual who simply wanted to enjoy herself for a day. Pradia, already on parole until April 2026 for previous criminal activity, now faces severe consequences for his alleged actions. Despite Pradia being placed on 24/7 house arrest, the community is left mourning the loss of McNeese, who leaves behind a grieving teenage son named Brandon McNeese Johnson.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and prompted support for McNeese’s family, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to aid her son. As investigations into the shooting continue, the community remembers McNeese as a loving mother who was senselessly caught in the crossfire of a violent dispute. The court proceedings and ongoing developments serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives, leaving a community in mourning and seeking justice for the slain mother.