Lauren Juma: Texas Teen Shot Dead By Mother’s Boyfriend, Police Say
Lauren Juma, 16, of Humble, Texas was shot to death on Friday, April 29, 2022,in her home.: Her mother’s boyfriend is charged with murder.
Lauren Juma had a lot to look forward to in her young life. The 16-year-old Humble, Texas resident had just made the Nimitz High School cheerleading team. She also aspired to follow in the footsteps of her big sister by joining the Air Force.
Lauren called her sister, 19-year-old Keryca Harmon, to report that her mother’s boyfriend was creeping her out.
"It was 1 o'clock in the morning, and she just said he was being really weird and she wanted me to come pick her up," Harmon told KTRK. "That's what I did."
Lauren then Facetimed her mother on Friday, April 29, 2022, to report a horrifying ordeal: Her mother’s boyfriend was standing in her room in the dark. He had a gun.
When Lauren screamed, the call abruptly ended, according to media reports.
When Harmon arrived, it too late. Her sister was gone.
"By the time I got there, the police were already out there searching around the house," Harmon was quoted as saying. "I was there about three minutes before I heard two gunshots go off, and I ran toward the house."
Lauren’s mother, Laurie Young, also rushed back home. She was at a work training program in Austin.
They lived together with 60-year-old Van Henry Brisbon. He has been charged with murder. His bond has been set to $1 million.