On March 12, 2023, 4-year-old Khalia Spencer died in Houston after being accidentally shot while inside an apartment. Khalia and her 3-year-old sister were left unsupervised in a bedroom when the younger child found an unsecured, loaded semi-automatic pistol. Family members heard a single gunshot and discovered Khalia unresponsive; emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office was reviewing whether any charges would be filed against adults who were present. Under Texas law, a mandatory mourning period of at least seven days applies before charges can be considered in the death of a child. Family and community members described Khalia as a beautiful, bubbly, caring little girl with a bright smile; a GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses.

Can anyone with information about Khalia, her family, or the circumstances that day come forward?