Court records reveal the suspect, 18-year-old Darius Hall, was already on community supervision at the time for a long list of violent charges.
HOUSTON — Loved ones are mourning the death of a beloved Austin woman who Houston police say was shot and killed over the weekend in the Heights.
Friends said Marietta Allison was in Houston helping a friend when her life was taken. Close friends remember Allison as a kind and selfless woman.
“Marietta was so rooted in love for every single person on this planet, regardless of what walk of life you came from, what your background was, what your skin color was… She has touched so many lives. The ripple of who she was will continue to live on far beyond her. She’s impacted so many of us in so many powerful, profound ways,” D.L., one of Allison’s friends, said.
Karin Galindo, another friend, added, “She was, is, an amazing soul. A bright, bright light in this world. Lived her life to the fullest, in abundance. Lived her life like every day was her last, really.”
But that life was cut short.
Houston police say Allison was shot late Friday night on West 20th Street in the Heights.
Loved ones told KHOU 11 that Allison lived in Austin but had traveled to Houston to help a friend with a chemotherapy appointment at MD Anderson. After dropping her friend off at another friend’s apartment, Allison parked and was walking there as well when the shooting happened.
The suspect, 18-year-old Darius Hall, appeared in court Monday. He is charged with capital murder, as well as evading arrest and tampering with evidence.
“He proceeded to try to rob her and steal her purse. The complainant fought back. He then produced a firearm and shot her in the neck,” prosecutors said during the court appearance.
Police said Allison later died at the hospital.
Prosecutors said Hall took Allison’s car and led police on a chase before officers eventually took him into custody after an hours-long standoff at an apartment near the Southwest Freeway and Buffalo Speedway.
Court records show Hall was already on community supervision for several charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. That is not sitting well with Allison’s loved ones.
“What is going on with our system? What is happening? Why is he not getting something to make sure that he’s not out there doing that. What is going on? That’s what I’m feeling,” D.L. said.
A judge denied Hall bond Monday morning. He remains in the Harris County Jail and is expected back in court on March 23.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.