Jennifer Irene Ramirez, 45, was found in a shallow grave behind an apartment complex in the 11000 block of Fuqua Street in Houston on April 22, 2024. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled her cause of death a gunshot wound.

Investigators focused on 31-year-old Derek Fischer, identified as Ramirez’s boyfriend. Evidence and witness statements led to his arrest on April 27, 2024; he was charged with murder and tampering with evidence and was being held without bond. Ramirez had reported to Houston police in January that Fischer had threatened to kill her, and he was on deferred adjudication for a separate family assault at the time of his arrest.

Ramirez had been estranged from her family for about a decade and had struggled with addiction; her family had hoped for her recovery and return. Does anyone who knew Jennifer or saw activity around the 11000 block of Fuqua Street in April have information that could help?