Jury Convicts Man in 2019 Death of Nassau Bay Police Sergeant Kaila Sullivan

Harris County, TX – A jury has convicted Tavores Henderson in connection with the 2019 death of Nassau Bay Police Sergeant Kaila Sullivan, 43, a 16-year veteran of the department who was struck and killed during a traffic stop.

Henderson, originally charged with Capital Murder, was found guilty of the lesser offense of Aggravated Assault of a Public Servant. The verdict was delivered Friday following several days of testimony.

The case stemmed from a December 2019 incident when officers attempted to arrest Henderson, who was wanted on a domestic assault warrant, during a traffic stop. As they tried to place him into custody, Henderson resisted, got back into his vehicle, and sped away. In the process, he struck Sgt. Sullivan, fatally injuring her. She was rushed to HCA Clear Lake Hospital but did not survive.

The vehicle was later found abandoned, and Henderson was arrested on December 12, 2019.

Sgt. Sullivan served the Nassau Bay Police Department for 16 years and is survived by her wife and son.

Assistant District Attorneys Lisa Stewart and Stephany Abner prosecuted the case. “While this verdict doesn’t take away their pain, may her family and law enforcement brothers and sisters find peace knowing justice was served,” the Harris County District Attorney’s Office stated.

The sentencing phase begins Monday. Henderson faces up to life in prison, with the sentence to be decided by a judge.