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Child witnesses to deadly domestic violence on the rise in Houston area

Pabio October 29, 2024

HOUSTON – Deadly domestic violence Incidents witnessed by children are becoming increasingly common around the world. Houston area, with numerous cases involving deaths or serious injuries in recent months.

Recent cases cover neighborhoods ranging from The heights, East Houston, Seabrook, Deer parkAnd Northern Harris Countymany taking place in the presence of children or while they were nearby.

In a recent case in the north Harris CountyMarisol Zamora is accused of murdering her husband, Miguel Zamora-Martinez, over the weekend. The couple’s three children were at home at the time of the incident. Although it’s unclear whether they directly witnessed the shooting, investigators say the children were exposed to the aftermath, an experience that experts say can lead to lasting trauma.

READ: Houston mother charged with murder after her children heard gunshots and saw her near their father’s body

In court, prosecutors shared details of the shooting, revealing that Zamora initially claimed self-defense but later presented different versions to law enforcement. Court records say her teenage children reported hearing gunshots and seeing Zamora standing with a gun near her husband’s body. Zamora’s defense team, however, described the incident as a tragic accident, with no one directly witnessing the argument or the shooting itself.

BACKGROUND: Woman in custody after shooting husband, HCSO says

Defense claims suggest a child mentioned the gun jammed or malfunctioned during the incident.

Zamora is currently being held in the Harris County Jail on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

Domestic Violence Statistics in Houston

Domestic violence has hit Houston hard this year.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office23 of the county’s 83 murders have been linked to domestic violence.

In Houston city limits, 48 of the 215 murders between January and August involved domestic violence, a 2% increase from 2023.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Staci Passe highlighted to KPRC 2’s Corley Peel the traumatic impact that witnessing domestic violence can have on children, even those as young as three or four.

“The trauma and terror of witnessing violence, particularly murder, can persist in children throughout childhood and into young adulthood,” he said. she declared.

Dr. Passe advised anyone in regular contact with children in an unstable home environment to remain vigilant and watch for signs of distress or changes in behavior.

“If a child lives in a home where domestic violence is prevalent, those around them should observe and ask questions,” Passe noted. “Even simple conversations about family life can reveal warning signs that are worth investigating.”

KPRC 2 wants you to know that resources are available to help you get out of these situations before it’s too late.

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