Leonard Ruffer

Leonard John Ruffer was a 56-year-old white man from Spring, Texas, who owned a floor installation business. He lived in a home on Almondwood Drive with roommates and was known by witnesses to be a hardworking business owner.

On Friday, August 23, 2019, Ruffer had an argument with an employee, 22-year-old Jatraveous Williams, who was also his neighbor. The dispute, which took place that morning, ended with Ruffer firing Williams. Later that afternoon, around 4:45 p.m., Harris County deputies were dispatched to Ruffer’s home after a shooting was reported. Inside, they found Ruffer had been shot to death. His roommates had discovered his body.

Investigators spoke with witnesses who told them about the argument that had led to Williams being fired earlier in the day. Deputies learned that Williams was known to carry a pistol and was out on bond for an unrelated aggravated assault case. Authorities located Williams at a relative's home in east Houston and arranged for him to be brought in for an interview.

A family member agreed to drive Williams to the Sheriff’s Office, but the trip took a dramatic turn. While en route to the homicide office, Williams became despondent and produced a pistol. The relative who was driving immediately pulled over at a gas station in downtown Houston and called for help. A 90-minute standoff with deputies ensued before Williams surrendered and was taken into custody.

Following his arrest, Jatraveous Williams was expected to be charged with murder for the shooting death of Leonard John Ruffer. As of August 2019, the case was proceeding to litigation.