HOUSTON — A woman who shot and killed her partner early Thursday morning at a northeast Houston home has been charged with murder, according to Houston police.
Houston police said Portia Phillips, 37, called 911 around 1:25 a.m. reporting that she had just shot her wife during a fight at a home on Doris Oaks Circle, which is near the intersection of Tidwell Road and Mesa Drive.
Phillips surrendered to officers when they arrived and she directed them toward the bedroom of the home, where her 38-year-old wife's body was found, according to the Houston Police Department. She had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A gun was found in the bedroom and Phillips was immediately detained for questioning, police said. The Harris County District Attorney's Office later accepted the murder charge, HPD said. Phillips was then taken to the Harris County Jail.
According to court documents, Phillips is a supervisor with the Transportation Security Administration, where she has worked for more than 14 years. Phillips waived her court appearance on Thursday night.
Police said it's unclear what led up to the fight but neighbors told them there had been disturbances at the home before. HPD said they had not previously been called out to the home.
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.