HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Darius Hall, the 18-year-old accused of fatally shooting a 61-year-old woman in the Heights during an attempted robbery, is now facing federal charges.
The latest updates come after the teen was denied bond in court on Monday afternoon.
The shooting happened early Saturday morning near W. 20th and Lawrence Street. The Houston Police Department said officers arrived at the area and found the victim, identified in court documents as Marietta Allison, on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. She died from her injuries after being taken to the hospital for treatment.
Allison’s friend, Cassie Daniel, posted a video on social media to share that Allison was visiting from Austin. Daniel said Allison came to support her as she was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer at MD Anderson. Daniel said she was dropped off at her apartment by Allison, who circled back to find a parking spot, and got out and walked before encountering the suspect. Daniel said she is struggling with the matter and said that her friend would be alive “if she didn’t come to Houston to support her.”
Officials said witnesses heard a woman scream followed by a loud popping sound. Hall was reportedly going through the woman’s purse before driving off in the victim’s car. HPD said officers attempted a traffic stop on him, but he fled and eventually crashed.
Hall then ran on foot, where he took off his clothes before hiding in a vacant townhome near the Southwest Freeway feeder at Buffalo Speedway. The teen was arrested and an hourslong standoff with SWAT officers.
ORIGINAL REPORT: 18-year-old charged with capital murder after deadly shooting in Houston Heights, HPD says
His additional charges include evading arrest and tampering with evidence, and carjacking all of which are felony charges. The carjacking charge carries up to a life sentence or death. He also faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life if convicted of the firearms charge.
Both convictions could also result in a $250,000 fine.
Records say that he was under court order supervision for four other charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon as a juvenile.
According to officials, Hall is expected to make his first federal court appearance soon.
Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.