Heather Smith: 48-Year-Old Texas Woman Killed by Her Neighbor
Heather Smith, 48, shed light wherever she went, according to her friends and family, who didn’t hold back when describing her to local media in Texas.
“She was a big part of our family sticking together. She was some of the glue that kept our family together,” Brittny, her cousin, told TV station KHOU 11 News. said. “She made such an impact, in so many different circles. Not just in our immediate family and her, created family, but she went to Prairie View A&M University, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that because she loved her alma mater to the heart."
Smith was found dead in her Harris County, Texas, home by her boyfriend on Friday, August 30, 2024. He said that when she didn’t respond to his texts or calls, he rushed over. When he arrived, he found that her front door had been kicked in and Smith had been shot multiple times.
Authorities arrested 42-year-old Christopher Braziel, a neighbor, who others say has had a history of run-ins with others in the community and has been called “unstable.”
He is charged with capital murder and is bering accused of using a firearm with an extended magazine. The judge has denied bond.
Smith is the mother of Dondrei Hubbard, a star outfielder for the Oakland Ballers.
“She was my closest friend and confidant. My sister and I, along with our family, are devastated to share this news,” Hubbard said in a written statement.
Investigators accuse Braziel of shooting Heather Smith, a neighbor in the Hearthstone neighborhood who lives a few streets over from him.
“Heather was a light. I call her, you know, a spunky firecracker she was known for, just being, supportive and headstrong and incredibly strong. You know, she was a big part of our family sticking together. She was some of the glue that kept our family together,” Smith said.
At a vigil to honor Smith, friends, family and community members signed a petition requesting prosecutors to pursue the most severe charges against Braziel.
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