A child’s birthday celebration in Houston, Texas took a devastating turn on September 12, 2024, when a father allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend during the festivities. The incident occurred at a townhome on Locksley Road, where 25-year-old Jalen Whitlock hosted a party for her six-year-old daughter.
According to Houston police, 27-year-old Jalin J. Foreman arrived at the residence around 8:30 p.m., reportedly to deliver birthday gifts for his daughter. However, Whitlock had previously informed Foreman that he was not welcome at the home. When Whitlock’s current boyfriend answered the door, an argument erupted between the two men.
The situation quickly intensified when Foreman allegedly retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, a white Chevrolet Tahoe. In response to the threat, Whitlock’s boyfriend retrieved a gun from the kitchen.
A witness informed police that they saw a white Chevrolet Tahoe arrive at the house before the shooting. The witness reported seeing a man, identified as Foreman, step out of the vehicle and shout at the townhome. Foreman then fired five shots at the house. Several of the shots struck and fatally injured the young mother. Foreman then fled the scene in the Tahoe.
The children present at the party, including the six-year-old birthday girl and her two-year-old sibling, witnessed the horrific event but were physically unharmed.
When Houston Police Department (HPD) officers and Houston Fire Department paramedics arrived at the scene, they found Whitlock unresponsive in the doorway of her residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save her, Whitlock was pronounced dead at the scene.
The HPD issued an alert, urging anyone with information about Foreman’s whereabouts or the wanted vehicle to contact the HPD Homicide Division or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
On September 16, 2024, the HPD announced that Jalin J. Foreman surrendered to the police and was arrested. He was charged with murder in the 178th State District Court. The suspect is being held on a $1 million bond.
The incident has left neighbors in fear. Felicia Adams, who lives in a nearby townhome, described the shooting as extremely loud and mentioned that bullets struck her car. She said she is worried for her young children, who were also deeply affected by the event. Adams explained that the noise was overwhelming, and they had to take cover to protect themselves.
A police source revealed that Foreman and Whitlock had a previous relationship and shared custody of their two children. The new boyfriend told police that he and Whitlock had been experiencing issues with Foreman since June 2023.
The incident was reportedly captured on surveillance footage from a nearby home, providing crucial evidence for the investigation. Authorities are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting, using this video evidence along with eyewitness accounts to build their case.