Victims killed in shooting at Katy short-term rental home identified

Update to deadly shooting on Russet Leaf Trace: the deceased persons were identified as Michael Odobo (24), Nicholas King (24), and Ellesha Rice (24).

Original Report:

A shooting at a rental home in northwest Harris County on Sunday morning has resulted in the death of three individuals, with at least two others being hospitalized.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office was alerted around 2:15 a.m. to Russet Leaf Trace near Little Dell Drive.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman at the scene.

Authorities reported that a third individual succumbed to injuries at the hospital, and subsequently discovered that two additional individuals had arrived at the medical facility with gunshot wounds. The current status of the injured parties remains unknown.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez mentioned that a small gathering, comprising approximately 10 to 20 people in their 20s, occurred at a short-term rental home. According to Gonzalez, an altercation ensued, resulting in gunfire and leaving at least five people with gunshot wounds.

Investigators are uncertain about the number of shooters and whether they were invited guests. Sheriff Gonzalez noted that individuals were firing shots outside the residence, estimating that dozens of gunshots were discharged.

He suggested the possibility that people might have been fleeing, creating a highly chaotic and hazardous situation where others could have been harmed due to the indiscriminate gunfire occurring outside.

Gonzalez stated that this marks the initial homicide case in unincorporated Harris County for the year 2024.

Anyone with information is urged to reach out to HCSO’s dispatch at (713) 221-6000, HCSO’s Homicide Division at (713) 274-9100, or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.