HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A man has been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of his girlfriend in north Harris County, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
It happened at an apartment complex on Cypress Station Drive near the North Freeway on July 19.
Gonzalez said Merseana Struggs, 29, ran from her boyfriend, Nicholas Finley, 34, through the complex and tried to get in someone's car, but didn't make it.
She later collapsed. It was then that her boyfriend, who was armed with a pistol, allegedly stood over her and unloaded gunshots into her body, according to Gonzalez.
Struggs was pronounced dead at the scene. Gonzalez said Finley left the scene with her purse and vehicle.
Finley was later arrested and booked in the Harris County Jail on a capital murder charge.
Gonzalez said in unincorporated Harris County, intimate partner murders account for about 35% of all murders in 2024 alone.
"Love shouldn’t hurt. It’s important to recognize the signs of abuse and take action against violence against women," Gonzalez said in a post on X. "We truly need to take a stand together, collaborate, and work together to ensure that individuals who may not want to reach out or seek out services know better ways to plan for their safety and to know more about the resources available to them."
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.
