Crime
Dakayla Dailey charged with killing her 69-year-old stepmother in Spring
SPRING, Texas — A tragic family shooting in north Harris County has left one woman dead and her stepdaughter charged with murder.
Authorities say 27-year-old Dakayla Dailey has been taken into custody and charged in connection with the shooting death of her stepmother, 69-year-old Kathy Brown, inside their home on Hannover Forest Drive in Spring.
According to Harris County Constable Mark Herman’s Office, deputies were called to the 21300 block of Hannover Forest Drive late Friday morning after multiple gunshots were reported in the area.
A worker servicing the backyard pool told investigators he heard several shots from inside the home and immediately called 911 around 10:45 a.m.
When deputies arrived, they discovered two women inside the residence. The older woman, later identified as Kathy Brown, was found in the kitchen and pronounced deceased at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.
The younger woman, later identified as Dakayla Dailey, was detained without incident.
Authorities say initial findings suggest Dailey became upset after learning that her stepmother did not have any money, which may have led to the fatal confrontation.
Captain Aaron Strain of the Constable’s Office said no one else was in the home at the time of the shooting.
Dailey was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail, where she now faces a murder charge.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence, including statements and digital records, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Harris County Sgt. Greg Pinkins initially reported that the women might have been a grandmother and granddaughter, but investigators later confirmed their relationship as stepmother and stepdaughter.
Authorities believe the two were the only residents living in the home.
Social media activity linked to Dailey, posted just one day before the shooting, has drawn significant attention online for its disturbing and erratic nature. Officials have not confirmed whether those posts are connected to the motive behind the killing.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
This heartbreaking case has deeply affected the Spring community, as neighbors expressed shock and disbelief over the incident. One resident described the neighborhood as quiet and family-oriented, saying the tragedy has left everyone shaken.
Authorities urge anyone struggling with anger or family conflict to seek help before violence occurs.
“This is an incredibly sad situation for everyone involved,” Constable Herman said. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones and to the community as we continue to investigate this senseless act of violence.”
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.