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City apologizes for response to Beryl and lives lost, calling the 'man-made disaster' avoidable
As of Wednesday, at least 13 people have died in Harris County as a result of Hurricane Beryl.At Houston City Council, members of the dais questioned whether at least some of those deaths could have been prevented."This could be so avoidable at this point that the loss of life continues to grow and is so - it didn't have to happen like this," District C Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin said. "This feels more like a man-made disaster than a natural disaster."District J Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard apologized to citizens for the city's response to the storm."We...
Woman says sister 'didn't have to die that way' after Beryl left them without power for days
Officials from multiple counties confirm with ABC13 that at least 20 people across our region have died from Hurricane Beryl, and the list continues to grow.Officials say some of the deaths are from fallen trees, others from drownings. However, the death toll continues to rise as more people across our communities are certified by medical examiners' offices in multiple counties to have died from the heat because of the power outages.A family in Spring is speaking for the first time to ABC13 after the medical examiner's office in Harris County confirmed their 64-year-old loved one was one of the people...
24 families claim Houston surrogacy escrow company owner spent their money on herself
At least two dozen families accuse a company owner of stealing the money they entrusted to her to help them have children through surrogacy.The money was supposed to be held in a trust and then given out to pay for healthcare, insurance, and compensation, but attorneys claim the owner used the funds to pay for a lavish lifestyle."They were used to fund her lifestyle, to fund her businesses, to grow her businesses, and essentially, to hide it from all the intended families that lost so much," Marianne Robak, the attorney representing the families, said.The company is called Surrogacy Escrow Account...
Montgomery County deputies identify victim in deadly Spring shooting as suspect remains on the loose
A 19-year-old has been identified as the victim of a deadly shooting in Spring as the search for the gunman continues, authorities said Wednesday.The video above is from Tuesday's report when the manhunt began.The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said the shooting took place Tuesday in the 300 block of Raypine Drive near the I-45 North Freeway and Rayford Road.Deputies said 19-year-old John Dennis Holmes III out of Harris County was shot to death by a man in a ski mask.The shooting prompted a manhunt for the suspect, with drones being used in the search and sheriff's deputies telling neighbors in...
How often does Texas get multiple hurricanes in one season? Here's what history tells us
Many of you have expressed your concerns that we could be hit by another hurricane since it's so early in the season. While no one can tell you with any certainty whether we'll face another hurricane this season, ABC13's Weather Team did take a deeper look at how many times the Lone Star State has been hit by multiple hurricanes in a single season.Since reliable hurricane records began in 1851, there have been six seasons during which multiple hurricanes tracked through Texas: 1854, 1886, 1909, 1942, 1989, and 2008. In every one of these seasons, at least one hurricane impacted...
Texas man named 'Literally Anybody Else' chooses White House running mate
A Texas man has changed his name to Literally Anybody Else in order to run for President of the United States. And Wednesday, during an interview with ABC13 he announced his vice presidential running mate.Mr. Else is a 35-year-old from north Texas who teaches middle school math and is a military veteran, but he became so disenchanted with presidential politics that he legally changed his name in order to run for president.He said he doesn't like the candidates at the top of either ticket and thinks Americans deserve better than the divisive, partisan system that dominates U.S. politics. ...
ABC13 Who's Hiring Job Fair offers veterans more than a way to find work after Beryl
After Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to millions in southeast Texas, organizations are coming together to help veterans.A lifeline created long lines this week for those looking for help following the hurricane - a sight these giveaways don't normally see."We had over 400 veterans come through," Combined Arms regional manager John Smith recalled. "Typically, on a Friday, we'll have around 50."Combined Arms helps supply veterans with food. It's an issue officials say has gotten worse during the pandemic."We will put others before ourselves," Smith said. "A lot of these family members, they will get fed before veterans getting fed. Working...
Texans impacted by April 26 - June 5 storms may be eligible for FEMA's help to repair or replace car
Thousands of Texans whose vehicles were damaged by the flooding during the storms between April 26 and June 5 could be eligible for FEMA assistance to repair or replace them.According to a release by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, its financial help covers expenses not paid by insurance or other sources.SEE ALSO: Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund launched after storm devastates 68,000 Harris County homes"The damage to the vehicle must have been caused by the disaster, and the vehicle must no longer be operable or safe to drive. Cosmetic repairs will not be covered," FEMA wrote.Some other conditions include:Assistance is usually limited to one vehicle. If there is a second functional vehicle in the household, the applicant must certify in writing that the damaged vehicle is essential for household's daily use.The vehicle must comply with state registration and insurance requirements.The vehicle must be owned or leased (not a rental) by the applicant, co-applicant, or household member.The damaged vehicle must be an approved vehicle type, such as a car, truck, SUV or van.SEE ALSO: Helping Hurricane Beryl victims: Where to donate and volunteer in SE TexasAnyone with questions on how to apply can visit FEMA's website or call its helpline at 800-621-3362.
Death penalty sought for suspect in Deputy Fernando Esqueda's murder, prosecutors say
Harris County will seek the death penalty against the second suspect charged in Deputy Fernando Esqueda's murder.Court records show that 26-year-old Dremone Francis is the neighbor of the first suspect, identified as 44-year-old Ronald "Ronnie" Palmer Jr.Palmer is charged with capital murder for Esqueda's death and two counts of aggravated assault for an incident earlier that night.RELATED: 2nd suspect charged with murder in connection with HCSO deputy's death, sheriff saysFrancis was also arrested over the weekend in the case and charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence. He is also being held without bond on the capital murder charge.Investigators...
Pedestrian 'acting erratically' before lying on roadway hit and killed by driver, HPD says
Officials say someone was lying on a road when they were hit and killed by a car early on Wednesday.According to the Houston Police Department, the deadly crash happened at about 12:50 a.m. at 63 East Crosstimbers Street.HPD said a pedestrian was lying down in a moving lane of traffic when someone in a gray Nissan Versa hit him.Paramedics arrived at the scene and pronounced the pedestrian dead, police said.The 61-year-old driver, who police say did not show any signs of intoxication, was questioned and released.Witnesses told investigators the pedestrian was acting erratically before lying on the roadway.The victim's identity is pending verification by the medical examiner's office.Submit a tip or story idea to ABC13Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story you think we should cover? Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don't, just hit 'skip upload' and send the details.
Homicide detectives respond to man found fatally shot outside SE Houston gas station, HPD says
Authorities are investigating the shooting death of a man outside a southeast Houston gas station Wednesday afternoon.Houston Police Department officers responded to the business on Mykawa Road at about 10:20 a.m. and found the man fatally shot.Homicide detectives said the suspect took off before officers could arrive at the scene. A suspect description was not immediately available.Homicide detectives are at a service station at 6402 Mykawa Road after a male was found fatally shot about 10:20 am. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.No other information at this time.#hounews— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) July 17, 2024 An investigation into the deadly shooting is currently underway.Watch live breaking news coverage from ABC13 on our 24/7 streaming news channel.Submit a tip or story idea to ABC13Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story you think we should cover? Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don't, just hit 'skip upload' and send the details.
3 suspects accused of dragging 70-year-old man out of car and beating him after crash
Three people are facing charges of injury to the elderly for allegedly beating a 70-year-old man in Harris County.Court documents allege Darian Ellis, 18; Kaydriana Webbs, 17; and Kaytlin Sandoval, 22, dragged the victim out of his vehicle after a crash and punched him multiple times on Sunday, July 14. The victim's condition was not immediately clear.During a probable cause court hearing, a Harris County judge set $10,000 bonds for both Ellis and Webbs. Sandoval was given a $7,500 bond.Webbs and Sandoval must have no contact with each other, Ellis, or the victim, and possess no weapons or drugs.The three are expected to reappear in court on Wednesday.SEE ALSO: 88-year-old woman severely beaten allegedly by housemate at SW Houston assisted living facilityAuthorities are looking into the severe beating of an 88-year-old woman at an assisted living facility in southwest Houston.Submit a tip or story idea to ABC13Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story you think we should cover? Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don't, just hit 'skip upload' and send the details.
Supreme Court grants Texas man stay of execution just 20 minutes before scheduled lethal injection
The U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of execution for a Texas man 20 minutes before he was to receive a lethal injection Tuesday evening. The inmate has long maintained DNA testing would help prove he wasn't responsible for the fatal stabbing of an 85-year-old woman during a home robbery decades ago.The nation's high court issued the indefinite stay shortly before inmate Ruben Gutierrez was to have been taken to the death chamber of a Huntsville prison.Gutierrez was condemned for the 1998 killing of Escolastica Harrison at her home in Brownsville in Texas' southern tip. Prosecutors said the killing of...
Off-duty officer shoots at 2 men allegedly breaking into his car in NW Harris Co., Pct. 4 says
An off-duty officer shot at two men who were allegedly breaking into his vehicle Wednesday morning, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 said.Precinct 4 constables were assisting at the scene in the 8100 block of Windy Acres Drive in the Windfern Forest subdivision of northwest Harris County.According to the precinct, a 911 caller said his son, an off-duty Pct. 5 officer, was leaving for work or arriving home when he fired shots at the men who were allegedly breaking into his vehicle, which was parked inside the garage.Sgt. Rosas with Pct. 4 said they were possibly looking for two suspects. The...
Deputies deploy drones in search for masked gunman after Spring murder
A manhunt is underway in a Spring neighborhood where deputies say one person was shot and killed by a man in a ski mask.Montgomery County sheriff's deputies told neighbors to lock their doors and stay inside in the area of the 300 block of Raypine Drive near the I-45 North Freeway and Rayford Road.According to authorities, multiple gunshots were fired in the area around 6:40 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was found dead in the middle of the road.Deputies said there were many kids around during the shooting, though they didn't mention if anyone else was hurt.Residents were already dealing with...
15-year-old killed among 3 teens who were shot within hours of each other in Houston area
Three teens, including one who died, were shot Tuesday night in the Houston area.In the first incident, police were called to the 6300 block of Rogerdale, near the West Beltway in Alief, at about 6:57 p.m. and discovered two 15-year-olds were involved.The Houston Police Department picked up the call there, but it's believed that's not where the shooting happened.According to Lt. R. Willkens with HPD, a 15-year-old who was shot in the back and the person he was with couldn't tell investigators where he was wounded, only that it happened at a "corner store somewhere."The two were on the way...
3 in 10 Houstonians surveyed by UH is considering leaving due in part to severe weather
Houston's severe storms and power outages have some thinking about leaving."I have heard from colleagues that they want to leave Houston and go back to Miami because of them losing power here," Jason Craul, a Miamian-turned-Houstonian as of five years ago, said.According to a 2023 University of Houston survey, they may not be alone.Of the people surveyed, 29% said they were considering leaving Houston, at least in part because of the severe weather."Certainly, one-third of the Houston population's not going to leave, but some of them will, and so, Houston will lose some people who otherwise would have been great...
'It punched us': Matagorda Co. 1st responders running on fumes with injury calls after Beryl
One person was killed when Hurricane Beryl ravaged Matagorda County. Self-assessment reporting shows at least 25 homes were destroyed, 175 sustained major damage, and 150 experienced minor damage, according to county Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Campos.On Tuesday, more than one week after the storm, ABC13 revisited the tiny town of Sargent, Texas, where the storm first made landfall."(The storm) punched us right between the eyes," Sargent Volunteer Firefighter Blue Morris said.At least 18 people died when the storm swept through southeast Texas.In an effort to deter looting, the Department of Public Safety set up a checkpoint, only allowing residents, business...
'I'm so tired': Houstonians are frustrated after 8 days without power due to Beryl
Is this the new normal? Eight days after Hurricane Beryl hit, we continue to struggle. Even Houston City Council members are questioning the area's ability to deal with severe weather, while many residents have just had enough.Eyewitness News visited Northwood Manor in northeast Houston on Tuesday."It is hot. It is hot. My house stinks from the air being off," Vada Roberts, whose power is still out, said. "My oxygen is running out. I can't use my big unit in the house because there's no electricity. I thought when they say you're on the critical list, you had priority.""I'm so tired....
Deputies deploy drones in search for masked gunman after Spring murder
A manhunt is underway in a Spring neighborhood where deputies say one person was shot and killed by a man in a ski mask.Montgomery County sheriff's deputies told neighbors to lock their doors and stay inside in the area of the 300 block of Raypine Drive near the I-45 North Freeway and Rayford Road.According to authorities, multiple gunshots were fired in the area around 6:40 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was found dead in the middle of the road.Deputies said there were many kids around during the shooting, though they didn't mention if anyone else was hurt.Residents were already dealing with...
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