Murder Charge Filed Against Houston Man in Fatal Sharpstown Apartment Shooting

HOUSTON, Texas — Houston police have filed a murder charge against a man accused of fatally shooting a woman during a domestic dispute at a Sharpstown-area apartment complex.

Michael D. Franklin, 46, has been charged with murder in the 179th State District Court in connection with the death of 44-year-old Ladana Murrell. As of Tuesday, Franklin remained at large.

According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to a shooting call at approximately 7:50 p.m. on June 19 at an apartment complex located at 6015 Dale Carnegie Lane.

When officers arrived, they found Murrell suffering from a gunshot wound near the entrance doorway of an apartment. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division detectives reported that witness statements indicated Murrell and a man were involved in a physical altercation that escalated into gunfire.

The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.

During the investigation, detectives identified Franklin as the alleged shooter. Investigators said Franklin and Murrell were involved in a dating relationship.

After reviewing the evidence, detectives consulted with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which accepted a murder charge against Franklin.

The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding Franklin’s whereabouts or information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division at 713-308-3600. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.