Harris County authorities in Spring, Texas, have charged a 27-year-old woman with murder after her stepmother was found fatally shot inside their home on the afternoon of Friday, October 17. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Dakayla Dailey and the victim as Kathy Brown, 69. Investigators believe Dailey shot Brown during a dispute that may have been sparked by frustration over money.
Deputies were called to the 21300 block of Hannover Forest Drive after a man working on Brown’s backyard pool reported hearing multiple gunshots coming from inside the house. When law enforcement arrived, they discovered Brown dead in the kitchen with gunshot wounds. Dailey, the only other person inside the home at the time, was immediately detained by deputies at the scene. Authorities recovered evidence and began interviewing witnesses as part of their ongoing investigation.
According to preliminary findings, Dailey and Brown were related as stepdaughter and stepmother. Earlier reports from first responders initially described the relationship as possibly grandmother and granddaughter, but court records later clarified how the two were related. Investigators say the shooting appeared to stem from a domestic dispute, with Dailey allegedly angered that Brown did not have any money to give her. No other individuals were involved, and there is no indication that forced entry or robbery occurred.
Brown’s death has deeply affected the quiet residential community in northern Harris County. Neighbors described her as friendly and always willing to help those around her. One neighbor became emotional as she recalled that Brown had been among the first to welcome her to the neighborhood and that she regularly exchanged kind words with others on the street, noting that Brown “always had a good thing to say to everybody.” Other neighbors expressed shock and sadness at the violent circumstances surrounding her death.
Dailey was taken to the Harris County Jail, where she was formally charged with murder. She made her first court appearance on Saturday, during which her bond was set at $250,000. Court records indicate that Dailey’s next hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 20. Authorities have not released additional details about what may have led to the confrontation or how long the two women had lived together.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, including the events leading up to the shooting. Detectives are reviewing evidence collected from the scene and interviewing witnesses and neighbors. Law enforcement officials have not yet released information regarding the specific gun used in the incident or whether Dailey has any prior criminal history.
The case remains active as prosecutors prepare for Dailey’s next court appearance, and investigators work to establish a clear timeline of the events that led to the fatal shooting.
Sources: ABC13 Houston, Fox 26 Houston