HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A man charged with shooting his estranged wife may have taken his own life, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. After a day-long manhunt, Moises Huerta's truck was found this evening and a man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound was dead inside, according to the sheriff.
Investigators said the victim was dropping their 11-year-old daughter off at the bus stop Friday morning when Huerta showed up and shot her in the head, according to HCSO.
"The father apparently came down here prior to the girl getting on the bus. And that is when the altercation occurred between the wife and husband," HCSO Sgt. Dennis Wolfford said.
Investigators said Huerta also tried to shoot a witness.
Amado Benitez, the good Samaritan, said he was driving nearby when he heard a woman yelling for help inside a white SUV. When he turned around to check on her, Benitez said he saw Huerta shoot her.
Benitez said Huerta then fired at him, but missed and hit his truck before leaving the scene.
Huerta's truck was found hours later in the 12700 blk of Silver Memorial Rd.
Investigators said domestic violence cases have been on the rise and they urge anyone in a volatile situation to get help before it's too late.
"Murders and types of murders go in cycles and we have seen a lot of family violence murder in 2022," Wolford said. "The reason for that, I don’t know at this point. I am sure there are variant factors."
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.