Patra Perkins was an 18-year-old African American woman found shot to death in a northwest Houston motel room on August 5, 2019. Patra, who was pregnant and days away from her 19th birthday, was discovered in room 239 of the HomeTowne Studios on Guhn Road with multiple gunshot wounds to her face, shoulder, and leg. Her mother, Patricia Perkins, identified her and spoke of the family’s disbelief and sorrow.

Police say the primary suspect was Patra’s 31-year-old boyfriend, Justin Jerel Herron, the father of her unborn child. Witnesses reported Herron had confessed, saying he let out a whole clip after learning Patra had been texting one of his friends. Officers found multiple shell casings, blood, and say a 9mm Luger was used. Herron turned himself in in Albuquerque on August 12, 2019, and was charged with capital murder for Patra and her unborn child.

The family had been preparing for the arrival of Patra’s son, Jai-Ary Legend Perkins. A GoFundMe was started to help with funeral expenses. If anyone knew Patra, who she associated with, or saw activity around the motel on August 5, please share information with authorities.