On the morning of October 3, 2024, 24-year-old Jalen Lavaria Houston was fatally shot in her home on North Ransom Street in Gastonia, North Carolina. The shooting happened about 7 a.m. after an argument with her boyfriend, 34-year-old Phillip Patrick Byers Jr. Byers was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon; he is being held in Gaston County jail without bond. Court records show Byers was out on bond on an earlier January assault on a female charge.

Houston’s mother, Nyosha Allen, said she had previously tried to keep her daughter away from Byers after prior incidents in which Houston suffered bruises and a black eye. Despite those attempts, Houston stayed in the relationship, hoping Byers would change. The case underscores the repeated danger posed by domestic violence and the need for awareness and intervention.

If anyone knew Jalen, her routines, or has information about this incident, please share what you know with investigators.