Houston Man Charged With Murder in Fatal Shooting During Child Pickup Dispute

HOUSTON, Texas – A Houston man has been charged with murder after authorities say he fatally shot another man during a confrontation involving a child custody exchange in northeast Harris County.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on May 26 to the 12700 block of Blue Timbers Court, near Tidwell Road and C.E. King Parkway, after reports of a shooting.

The victim was identified as 36-year-old Marlon Sanders. Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Gary Davis.

Investigators said Sanders’ wife had previously been involved in a relationship with Davis while separated from Sanders. During that relationship, she gave birth to a child fathered by Davis.

According to the sheriff’s office, the woman had allowed the infant to stay with Davis for several days. When she and Sanders arrived to pick up the child, Davis allegedly rushed from the residence and shot Sanders as he stood near his vehicle in the roadway.

No other individuals were injured during the incident.

Deputies with Harris County Constable Precinct 3 responded to the scene. Sanders was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Crime scene investigators and homicide detectives with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office processed the scene and launched an investigation.

Davis was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. He was booked into the Harris County Jail.

The sheriff’s office credited members of the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), K-9 units, and Air Support personnel for their assistance in the investigation and arrest.