Southeast Houston Murder: Man Charged After Allegedly Killing Girlfriend and Sending Graphic Photo to Family Member

Southeast Houston Murder: Man Charged After Allegedly Killing Girlfriend and Sending Graphic Photo to Family Member

HOUSTON, TX : A horrifying crime has shocked the southeast Houston community after a 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder for allegedly killing his girlfriend and then sending a photograph of her lifeless body to a family member. The victim has been identified as Lazette King, whose life was tragically cut short in an act of domestic violence.

The suspect, Michael Ellis, 48, is now facing a murder charge and remains in custody following a multi-hour manhunt that ended early Wednesday morning.

What Happened?

The chain of events began shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, when Houston Police were called to an apartment complex in southeast Houston following a report of a man being shot in the parking lot. When officers arrived, they could not locate a victim but found signs of a disturbance that raised concern.

Just an hour later, police received a far more chilling call — a woman reported receiving a graphic photo on her phone from a family member. The image depicted a woman who had been shot multiple times, slumped on the floor in what appeared to be a residential unit.

Acting swiftly, investigators traced the origin of the image to a specific apartment within the same complex. With the fear that a homicide had taken place, SWAT officers were deployed to secure the scene.

Upon entering the apartment, officers found Lazette King, already deceased, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The scene was consistent with a close-range shooting, and officials declared her dead at the scene.

Michael Ellis Identified as Suspect

Police quickly identified Michael Ellis as the primary suspect in the case. He was known to be in a domestic relationship with King and was last seen near the apartment around the time of the shooting. Authorities say he fled the scene immediately after the incident and was considered armed and dangerous.

An all-points bulletin was issued, and officers launched a manhunt throughout the greater Houston area. Around 3:00 a.m., nearly six hours after the shooting, Ellis was located in the Willowbrook area in northwest Houston. Officers were able to take him into custody without incident.

He was booked into the Harris County Jail and officially charged with murder early Wednesday morning.

A Crime of Domestic Violence and Control

While investigators have not yet revealed a specific motive, the case is being investigated as an act of domestic violence, and the disturbing decision to send a photo of the slain victim suggests a deeply troubling pattern of control and cruelty.

“This was an unthinkable act,” said one HPD official. “To not only take someone’s life in cold blood but to then document it and send it to a family member — it’s an act that reveals not just violence, but a complete disregard for humanity.”

Detectives are continuing to review phone records, text messages, and digital evidence to better understand the timeline and nature of the couple’s relationship leading up to the fatal shooting.

Remembering Lazette King

Lazette King is being remembered as a vibrant and caring woman by those who knew her. According to friends and neighbors, she was a hard-working professional with a compassionate spirit and a strong devotion to her family.

“Lazette was the kind of person who would give you her last,” said a longtime friend. “She didn’t deserve this. Nobody does.”

Loved ones are now planning a memorial vigil in her honor and have expressed a desire to raise awareness about the silent epidemic of intimate partner violence that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

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Call for Action: Domestic Violence Awareness

As the community grieves, local leaders and advocates are urging victims of domestic abuse to seek help and reminding residents that resources are available for those in unsafe situations.

If you or someone you know is in danger, contact:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121

Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

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Ongoing Investigation

Michael Ellis remains behind bars as prosecutors prepare to bring the case to court. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges depending on what is uncovered in the coming days.

The Houston Police Department urges anyone with further information about the case to come forward and assist investigators. The violence that claimed Lazette King’s life serves as a grim reminder that behind closed doors, danger often lurks where love should dwell.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as new information becomes available.