KATY, Texas — The woman shot and killed in a murder-suicide in the Katy area was just days away from finalizing her divorce, according to her attorney.
Attorney Uche Ohia identified his client as Nityadevi Ramroop, a 35-year-old mother of three kids aged 16, 13 and 7. He said he met his client 11 months ago to file for divorce and they had a protective order filed against her husband prior to their final divorce proceeding on Nov. 6.
“Honestly, I’m devastated," Ohia, a managing partner of Davis and Associates told KHOU. "Ms. Ramroop was a wonderful person, a wonderful client and I wanted to help her get out of a very terrible situation. To hear that her worst fears come to pass, it just breaks my heart."
Ramroop had just arrived home from work Tuesday night when she was confronted by her estranged husband who shot her in her driveway and then forced his way into the house on Upland Spring Trace where he stabbed Ramroop's 25-year-old sister.
According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, her husband ran away from the scene and was found about a half-mile away where he had shot himself.
Rachna Khare, the executive director of Daya -- which has several resources for women fleeing domestic violence -- said many South Asian women, like Ramroop, face barriers.
“These barriers can be really tangible, such as language or immigration status, but they’re also really cultural. It’s about the stigma against divorce,” Khare said.
She encourages women to seek a partner or a community-based domestic violence organization for help.
“What happens when you call…is deep safety planning and that safety planning is led by the survivor, they know their experience best,” Khare said.
Despite the tragic ending of this case, Ohia said victims of domestic violence should always seek help.
“By the end of my representation with her unfortunately, she was very strong and she wanted to start a new life and make sure she and her children were protected,” Ohia said.
HCSO said they are reviewing previous calls as part of their investigation.
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.