Woman Killed, Husband Critically Injured After Overnight Barricade Standoff in East Aldine

HOUSTON, Texas – A woman was killed and her estranged husband critically injured early Tuesday after a barricade and hostage situation inside a Harris County home prompted a SWAT response, according to investigators.

Homicide detectives with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched around 2 a.m. on Feb. 3, 2026, to a residence in the 4200 block of Cicada Lane in the East Aldine area to investigate a reported shooting death involving a barricaded suspect holding a hostage.

Patrol deputies responding to an in-progress family disturbance learned that a husband and wife were involved in a violent confrontation that included a firearm and physical assault. Multiple family members, including six young children, were inside the home. Deputies were able to safely evacuate the children and other relatives while the male suspect barricaded himself inside a room with his estranged wife. While deputies were inside the residence, the suspect fired shots, authorities said.

Sheriff’s Office SWAT units were called to the scene and later made entry into the room where the suspect was located. Upon entry, SWAT officers observed both the male and female with severe head trauma. Deputies and emergency medical personnel determined the woman was deceased at the scene. The man was found to have a pulse and was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains in critical but stable condition.

Investigators identified the suspect as Honorio Valencia and the victim as Xochitl Sanchez. Authorities said the suspect will be interviewed if and when his medical condition allows.

Officials confirmed that no deputies fired their weapons and no one else was injured during the incident.

Crime Scene Unit investigators processed the residence while detectives interviewed family members. According to investigators, evidence indicates the suspect assaulted the victim and held her at gunpoint prior to deputies’ arrival. The exact sequence of events leading to the shooting remains under investigation.

The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and took custody of the victim’s body. An autopsy is scheduled within 24 hours to determine the cause and manner of death.