A murder charge was filed after investigators identified the man accused in the shooting.
HOUSTON, Texas — A 44-year-old woman was shot and killed Friday night at a housing complex near Sharpstown, and Houston police said the man accused in her death fled after the shooting.
Police identified the victim as Ladana Murrell and the suspect as Michael D. Franklin, 46. Officers said Franklin was charged with murder after investigators learned he and Murrell had been dating and were involved in a physical fight before the shooting.
The shooting was reported about 7:50 p.m. at New Hope Housing, 6015 Dale Carnegie Lane. Patrol officers found Murrell in an apartment entrance doorway with a gunshot wound. Houston Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced her dead at the complex.
Investigators first said they were searching for a gunman who left the scene after the shooting. They later said a witness described a fight between Murrell and Franklin before gunfire erupted. Police have not said whether a weapon was recovered, how many shots were fired or whether anyone else was hurt.
The case drew attention because police said the suspect and victim were neighbors as well as dating partners. Detectives with HPD’s homicide division reviewed surveillance footage and witness information while working to determine what led to the shooting.
Franklin had not been reported arrested when police announced the murder charge. The next major step in the case is his capture and first court appearance, where charging documents could provide more details about the allegations and the timeline.
As of Tuesday, Murrell’s death remained under investigation. Police had released the names of both people involved, but several details, including the cause of the fight and Franklin’s whereabouts, had not been made public.
Author note: Last updated June 23, 2026.