HOUSTON, TX – Two young children were at home when their mother and another man were fatally shot, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, in a tragic incident that has left a community in shock. The suspect is currently in custody without bond after the Monday evening shooting in the 1960 FM area.
The victims have been identified as 26-year-old Charity Freeman and 30-year-old Alejandro Suarez. According to investigators, Freeman’s ex-boyfriend, Emil Javier Rivera Perez, is accused of committing the crime with a handgun. The tumultuous relationship between Freeman and Rivera Perez reportedly ended last year, but tensions seem to have persisted.
Freeman’s family shared that her children, aged four and two, are now staying with their grandmother. Charity’s brother, who was present during the incident, recounted the chilling sequence of events. He described how Rivera Perez allegedly forced his way into the home, rushed upstairs, and opened fire. The brother, who chose to remain anonymous and off-camera, was downstairs with Freeman’s children during the shooting.
Cody Freeman, another witness, reportedly heard gunshots and saw Rivera Perez leave the house with a firearm. Disturbingly, Rivera Perez then allegedly carried Charity Freeman out of the house and drove her to a nearby emergency room, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Rivera Perez was subsequently apprehended by the authorities.
During his probable cause hearing, bond was denied for Rivera Perez, and he remains in jail as he awaits further court proceedings. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of domestic violence and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities.
The tragedy has left the family and the Itasca community grappling with grief and questions about how such violence could occur. As the investigation unfolds, many are calling for increased support and resources for those in volatile relationships to prevent similar incidents in the future.