HOUSTON — Both the Houston Police Department officer and his wife who he shot in the face said the shooting was accidental, according to officials.
But, HPD investigators said the evidence shows otherwise.
It happened in the early-morning hours Monday. Galib Chowdhury, 31, was arrested and relieved of duty after authorities said he shot his wife in the face during what investigators said was a domestic violence incident. He was taken to jail and a judge set his bond at $125,000. Chowdhury is charged with aggravated assault of a family member having caused serious bodily harm with a weapon. He had no previous run-ins with the law.
According to court records, he made bail Tuesday night. He was due back in court on Wednesday at 9 a.m. A judge ordered Chowdhury to be on GPS monitoring as part of his bond conditions.
He had been on the force for two years and his career with HPD will likely end soon, according to the Houston Police Officers' Union.
On Tuesday, Chowdhury wiped his eyes as a magistrate read details of the alleged crime and what investigators said he did to his wife.
"The complainant (wife) was shot in the right eyeball and had a cheekbone fracture and multiple fractures to their hand and fingers," the magistrate read during his court appearance.
According to what came out in court, Chowdhury called 911 claiming that he fired a rifle at an intruder inside he and his wife's Clay Road apartment but accidentally shot his 30-year-old wife in the face. According to court records, an AR-style rifle was found in his apartment.
Authorities said the injuries suggest Chowdhury's wife might have been trying to cover her face when she was shot.
"Officers determined that the crime scene did not match the description of what allegedly happened by Mr. Chowdhury," the magistrate said.
Chowdhury is accused of sending "angry" texts to his wife before the shooting, according to a magistrate. Some of that exchange was read aloud in court. Court records show that Chowdhury and his wife were married last year.
Chowdhury's wife refused to speak with officers at the hospital. She also told the medical staff that she was accidentally shot, according to officials.
Chowdhury remained relieved of duty with HPD pending the outcome of an internal investigation. State records he's only served with HPD and he started in 2021.
Before that, he was a pharmacy technician up until 2017, according to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. According to a letter that was sent by the board, he gave up his license in order to avoid disciplinary action. The letter doesn't go into the allegations.
Members of his family said they're devastated and are praying for everyone involved in the situation. Chowdhury's father said it's a very difficult time. He declined an on-camera interview and said everything is still sinking in. The family was trying to figure out what they needed to do to visit Chowdhury in jail.
Defense attorney speaks
Chowdhury's defense attorney, Nicole DeBorde, said the evidence will prove what really happened.
"We believe this was, indeed, a terrible accident," DeBorde said.
DeBorde is known for taking on other high-profile law enforcement cases. She also represents Gerald Goines, who is charged in connection with the deadly Harding Street raid.
She's expected to be beside Chowdhury on Wednesday morning.
"Let’s find out in a court of law exactly what the facts are, because right now, what we have are just accusations," DeBorde said in an interview with KHOU 11 News on Tuesday evening.
Possible domestic violence
Leticia Manzano, with the Houston Area Women’s Center, can’t speak to Chowdhury's case specifically but said victims of domestic violence often struggle with reporting alleged crimes.
"That's where I see the greatest instance of fear. Domestic violence is not about one isolated incident -- it’s a pattern of abuse -- so my hope for her is that she talks to someone who might help her see the pattern that led to this situation," Manzano said. "How would you make a police report, in their (victims') eyes, to your husband’s friends? You know? How can you trust that the system will work for them?"
Mental health resources
According to HPD officials, the department has a peer assistance program and also offers free mental health and other support to both officers and their families. That’s in addition to what the Houston Police Officer’s Union provides.
"We have specially trained retirees that do a phenomenal job with our officers that are dealing with stress or any kind of mental issue or breakdown or substance abuse, whatever it may be," HPOU President Douglas Griffith said.
Griffith said it appears that no one reached out in this case and since it happened while Chowdhury was off-duty, the union will not provide legal assistance.
"Obviously, something led to this situation and it’s truly sickening and sad," Griffith said.
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 HAWC safety planning website is a good resource for survivors. Click here for more information. Also, HAWC recently released a position paper to outline plans to address violence in the Houston area. Click here for more information on that.
The City of Houston has this resource page.
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.