Children found hiding in closet of home where woman was shot dead, Texas cops say

Two children were found hiding inside a home where a woman was shot to death and an armed man ambushed police, Texas cops say.

Houston police received a call about an assault at a house on the city’s northeast side on the afternoon of May 26, but as officers made their way to the scene, the situation escalated and neighbors reported hearing gunshots, Assistant Chief Jessica Anderson said during a news briefing.

Officers came under fire the moment they arrived, Anderson said. “He was waiting for them,” she said, standing in the driveway and opening fire with multiple weapons.

He shot at police for about a minute, pistol and rifle rounds piercing their patrol vehicles and flying into neighboring homes, she said. After that hail of gunfire, he put his hands up, walked toward police and was arrested.

Officers never fired a shot, according to Anderson.

Police found a woman, believed to be in her 20s, dead inside the home with a gunshot wound. And on the second floor, two children were discovered hiding in a closet, Anderson said.

Officials didn’t share the ages of the children.

It’s unclear who the man is or how he knew the women or children, but Anderson said everyone involved is related.

Police later identified the man as 29-year-old Byron Keith Hall, KTRK reported.

He’s accused of killing a woman named Taylor Jewell Ben, Harris County records show.

Hall is facing charges including murder, aggravated assault against a public servant and aggravated assault of a family member.

This story was originally published May 28, 2024 at 7:58 AM with the headline "Children found hiding in closet of home where woman was shot dead, Texas cops say."