Authorities in north Harris County have charged a man with capital murder in the death of his girlfriend. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the charge was made public.
It took place on July 19 at an apartment building on Cypress Station Drive near the North Freeway.
González said that Merseana Struggs, 29, ran through the complex to get away from her boyfriend, Nicholas Finley, 34. She tried to get into someone’s car but failed.
She later fell. Gonzalez says that, at that point, her boyfriend, who was carrying a gun, reportedly stood over her and shot her several times.
Struggs was declared dead at the scene of the crime. Gonzalez said Finley took her purse and car and left the scene.
Later, Finley was caught and taken to the Harris County Jail on a charge of capital murder.
Gonzalez said intimate partner killings will make up about 35% of all murders in Harris County which is not a city or town.
“Love must not hurt. Gonzalez wrote on X, “It’s important to know the signs of abuse and do something about violence against women.” “We truly need to take a stand together, collaborate, and work together to ensure that individuals who may not want to reach out or seek out services know better ways to plan for their safety and to know more about the resources available to them.”
There are a lot more reports of domestic and family violence in the Houston area than there used to be. People who have been hurt often don’t say anything because they are scared, useless, or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is being abused at home, here are some private ways to get your needs met.
For victims of domestic abuse, the Houston Area Women’s Center has a hotline that can be called at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551 at any time.