Woman Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Her Wife in East Houston

In the early hours of December 21, 2023, Houston Police Officers responded to a shooting call at 8630 Doris Oak Circle in East Houston. At approximately 1:25 am, officers arrived at the residence and were greeted by 37-year-old Portia Phillips, who had blood on her face and arms.

Phillips directed the officers to a bedroom, where they discovered another woman with an apparent gunshot wound. Despite the arrival of paramedics, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers located a firearm in the bedroom and subsequently detained Phillips for questioning.

During the investigation, Phillips informed detectives that the victim was her wife. It was revealed that an argument between the two had escalated, leading Phillips to point a gun at the victim. Tragically, the weapon discharged during the altercation, resulting in the fatal injury to the 38-year-old victim.

The identity of the deceased is currently pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Following consultations with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, murder charges were filed against Portia Phillips. She has been taken into custody and is being held at the Harris County Jail.