On August 4, 2020, Ryan Hodges, a 30-year-old man from Texas City, Texas, was fatally shot in the head and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The shooting was initially reported as an accidental discharge, with claims the firearm fell from a dresser and discharged when it hit the ground.

Investigators later found that Mary Christine Russell, a 22-year-old acquaintance, had recently purchased the gun and was handling it when the shooting occurred. Russell admitted to pointing the firearm at Hodges and pulling the trigger, saying she did not know it was loaded; she was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Another person at the scene cooperated with law enforcement. A memorial service for Hodges was held August 17, 2020, at Carnes Funeral Home in Texas City.