Seakara Carter, 36, was found with a gunshot wound near the doorway of her La Marque, Texas, home on the evening of Tuesday, November 11, 2025. She was taken to a local hospital and later died from her injuries. Neighbors reported seeing teenage girls running from the house, saying their brother had shot their mother in the face, which focused investigators on a family member.

Police believed the suspect had initially barricaded himself inside the residence, but he had already fled when officers entered. A man matching the description was located the next day in the 3300 block of Hughes Lane after a tip. La Marque police identified and arrested 18-year-old Keith Ray Smith Jr without incident; he was charged with murder and held on $1 million bond. He remained silent during his first court appearance as the charge was read.

The motive and exact circumstances leading to the shooting have not been disclosed. Does anyone have information about the family or the events on Kirsten Street that could help the investigation?