KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 30, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
A Katy man shot and killed his wife and injured her two children Thursday night. He is in custody after SWAT was called in when he barricaded himself their Morton Ranch home. Authorities believe the tragedy is the result of an ongoing domestic disturbance.
Shooting in Morton Ranch
Neighbors called for help around 8:50 p.m. Thursday night after hearing gunfire from a home at the 2700 block of Roaring Oaks in the Morton Ranch area.
Harris County Sheriff’s Department deputies found the victim, Valerie Junius dead of a gunshot wound outside the residence when they arrived.
Her husband, Lawrence Reed, shot her and also her two children, a 16-year-old son and a 21-year-old daughter.
Neighbors reported that both children got outside on their own before Reed barricaded himself in the home.
According to authorities, both children were taken to a local hospital and are expected to be fine.
SWAT responded and negotiated with Reed for around 30 minutes before he came out and was taken into custody around 11:00 p.m. last night.
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Husband Charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault
“Reed was charged with Murder and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon and was booked into the Harris County jail,” says Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Sheriff Gonzalez shared that they believe the motive of the shooting to be the result of an ongoing domestic disturbance.
“Our condolences go out the family,” says Sheriff Gonzalez. “Our gratitude to all HCSO personnel that responded to the scene, including EMS and our partners with Harris County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office.”
How to Get Help
Domestic abuse cases skyrocketed in 2020 and continue to be a problem. Katy residents have access to multiple resources.
Katy Christian Ministries
Katy Christian Ministries offers two hotlines.
Domestic Abuse Hotline
281-391-HELP (4504)
Sexual Abuse Hotline
281-693-RAPE (7273)
Both hotlines are open Monday-Thursday 9a.m.-5p.m. and are answered by trained advocates.
Katy Cares
Katy Cares supports women and children experiencing situational homelessness due to violence and abuse. This local non-profit organization offers tele-chats to support those in need.
Katy Cares Tele-Talks
832-942-8441
Monday-Friday 12-2p.m., 7-9p.m.
Sunday 7-9p.m.
Online Ways to Get Help
Sometimes it could be hard for the victim to reach out by phone. There are other ways to get help.
“We have had victims reach out to us through our private messaging option on our Facebook Page,” says Susan Hastings, Director of Crisis Center with Katy Christian Ministries (KCM.)
The National Domestic Hotline Center offers hotlines to call but also online chats that can provide victims with the same services.
“You know your situation better than anyone else,” says Hastings. “Safety planning can minimize your risk. However, if you are in danger you should call 911.”