A Texas resident, Jalin J. Foreman, 27, is facing murder charges following the fatal shooting of his ex-partner, Jalen Whitlock, 25, in front of their children during a birthday celebration. The incident occurred at Whitlock’s residence, where she and her children were celebrating her six-year-old’s birthday.
According to the criminal complaint, Foreman arrived at Whitlock’s townhome shortly before 8:30 p.m., allegedly intending to deliver a birthday gift to his daughter. However, Whitlock had previously informed Foreman that he was not welcome at her home.
Whitlock’s boyfriend, who had been in a relationship with her for about a year, answered the door. The police report indicates that an argument ensued between Foreman and the boyfriend, stemming from a previous incident where Foreman had fired shots at Whitlock’s residence.
The complaint further states that Foreman became increasingly aggressive, returning to his truck parked directly in front of the house. Meanwhile, Whitlock’s children were gathered near the front entrance of the house. As Foreman continued to shout threats, Whitlock’s boyfriend retrieved a gun from the kitchen.
Upon returning to the front door, Whitlock’s boyfriend alleges that Foreman began shooting. In response, he fired back. Whitlock, who was near the front door with her children, was hit. After securing the front door, Whitlock’s boyfriend discovered her on the floor, having been shot. He then instructed the children to go upstairs.
A neighbor, who witnessed the incident, told police that she saw a man, later identified as Foreman, arrive at the house in a white Chevy Tahoe. He exited the vehicle and began shouting at the house before firing at least five shots at the townhome.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows a white SUV leaving the scene and returning shortly after. Another witness reported seeing Foreman with a gun at a stop sign in the Chevy Tahoe. Foreman is believed to have fled the scene in the same vehicle.
In the aftermath of the shooting, police quickly identified Foreman as the suspect. “We feel confident we’re going to obviously find this individual,” Houston Police Lt. R. Willkens said. “Hopefully, if he’s smart, he’ll turn himself in and come tell us exactly why he did what he did.” As of Monday morning, authorities were still searching for Foreman.