(NewsReady.com) – More than 35% of women have experienced domestic violence of some sort in their lifetime. It impacts more than 12 million people annually. A woman in Texas recently died while allegedly trying to help her friend leave a violent situation.
On September 9, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at an apartment about a woman with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies found a female in the elevator lobby near the apartment complex’s parking garage. The woman, identified as 28-year-old Shantavia Reddick, was dead.
According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Reddick arrived at the apartment complex to help a female friend who was allegedly leaving an abusive relationship. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Dmitri Humphrey, shot the victim and her dog, killing them both. The accused shooter fled the scene, and police were still searching for him as of September 13.
Please be on the lookout for Dmitri Humphrey, wanted in connection with the shooting death of a female and her dog. Shooting occurred at 2323 E Mossy Oaks. Humphrey fled the scene in White Jeep Wrangler, TX LP: TFN-4278. If you know his whereabouts, call us at 713-274-9100
1/2 https://t.co/ZuX1UGrRXL pic.twitter.com/BjMtO5pqRO— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) September 9, 2023
Humphrey reportedly did not injure his girlfriend, who was trying to leave him.
Reddick was a teacher at Smith Elementary School in Spring, a suburb of Houston. In 2022, she won the Rookie Teacher of the Year award because she was such a good educator. The Spring Independent School District released a statement expressing their sorrow over the young teacher’s death, calling her a “beloved team member” and offering condolences to her family. She’d worked in the district as a third-grade teacher since 2020.
Sheriff Gonzalez said Reddick “saved her friend’s life” but gave her own to do it. He also said it she was “taken far too soon” after “making a huge impact” in the community. The law enforcement veteran pointed out that domestic violence situations are incredibly dangerous. He said that the police always encourage “people to seek the help of others,” but this situation took a very tragic turn.
Victims of domestic violence can call 800-799-7233 24/7 to receive help from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Crimestoppers Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
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