Deputies said investigators are reviewing surveillance video and searching for a vehicle seen leaving the area.
HOUSTON, TX — A 21-year-old man was shot and killed late Thursday outside a north Houston apartment complex, where deputies said residents reported hearing repeated gunfire before first responders found him wounded near the property.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened just before midnight at the Marybell Apartments in the 22900 block of Imperial Valley Drive. Homicide detectives remained at the complex early Friday, interviewing neighbors, collecting evidence and working to determine who opened fire. No suspect had been identified, and investigators had not released a motive.
Deputies said a tenant called 911 after hearing multiple gunshots outside the apartment complex. Patrol deputies and emergency medical crews arrived and found the man suffering from several gunshot wounds. First responders tried lifesaving measures at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead there, authorities said. Witnesses told investigators they heard a burst of gunfire overnight and later saw emergency crews performing CPR outside the complex.
Detectives spent the early morning reviewing surveillance video from the property and speaking with people who live nearby. Investigators also were looking for a possible vehicle that was seen leaving the area around the time of the shooting. Authorities had not said whether more than one person was involved. The victim’s name had not been released by officials Friday morning, and deputies had not announced any arrests.
The victim’s mother, identified only as Yolanda, told investigators she believes her son was targeted. She said several people had been taking photos with him shortly before the shooting. “The young lady ended up taking his life,” she said. “Whoever she was with … she stood over him and shot him 29 times.” Officials had not confirmed her account or released a count of shots fired.
The shooting added another homicide investigation to a busy stretch for Harris County deputies and Houston-area law enforcement. The case centers on what happened in the minutes before the gunfire, who was with the victim and whether surveillance video captured the person or vehicle detectives are seeking. Officials said those questions remained under review Friday as investigators processed the scene and gathered statements from neighbors.
Authorities said the next steps include identifying the victim publicly, confirming the sequence of events and determining whether the shooting was targeted. Detectives had not released suspect information Friday morning. The investigation remains open as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reviews video and evidence from the apartment complex.
Author note: Last updated May 22, 2026.