Teenage Girl Killed in Road Rage Shooting in Downtown Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A teenage girl from a small Texas town has been identified as the victim in Sunday’s deadly road rage shooting in downtown Houston.
Victim Identified as Louise Jean Wilson
Louise Jean Wilson, 17, was shot and killed early Sunday morning, according to family members. She and her friends were driving to Galveston for a short getaway.
Details of the Incident
Houston police responded to the southbound lanes of the Pierce Elevated at about 1:05 a.m. When officers arrived, they found a car damaged by gunfire.
Wilson, the driver, died at the scene. A 17-year-old male passenger was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound and was treated and released. A third person was not injured.
Police Suspect Road Rage Incident
Police believe Wilson unintentionally swerved in front of the gunman’s car to avoid another vehicle that was braking. The suspect responded with violence.
“After she cut him off, he drives up next to her and discharged his weapon into the vehicle, striking her, and then fled the scene,” Houston Police Department Commander Jonathon Halliday explained on Sunday.
Support for the Victim’s Family
On Monday, Louise Wilson’s uncle, Leo Amoling, set up a GoFundMe page to support her family. He described Louise as a great girl and called for justice for her senseless death.
A Tragic Loss for the Community
Louise Wilson was from Whitney, Texas, a small town 40 miles northwest of Waco. She was homeschooled and had recently graduated from high school. Her uncle mentioned that both he and Wilson’s father served in the military.
“This is not the country we fought to protect and it breaks my heart because it’s not just happening to us. There is a real crime issue in this country. We just want justice,” Amoling said.
Appeal for Information
The Houston Police Department has released a vague description of the shooter. He is described as a Black male driving a black or dark-colored four-door sedan. Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers.
Funeral Arrangements
Louise Wilson’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 18 in Whitney.