HOUSTON, TX — Authorities have filed murder charges against a Houston man in connection with the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Jakayla Alfred, who was killed inside her home on Lorraine Street last month.
The Incident
On August 4, 2025, Houston Police Department (HPD) patrol officers responded to a “person down” call at 705 Lorraine Street, near Jensen. When officers arrived around 6:25 p.m., they found Jakayla Alfred unresponsive inside her apartment.
Paramedics with Houston Fire Department pronounced her dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed that Alfred died from fatal gunshot wounds.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Following an intensive investigation, HPD homicide detectives identified Alfred’s partner, Gustavo Lerma, 30, as the primary suspect in the case.
Lerma was initially arrested by officers with HPD’s Northeast Patrol Division Crime Suppression Team on unrelated charges. After reviewing the evidence, investigators connected him to Alfred’s death, and prosecutors filed murder charges against him on September 6.
Lerma is now charged with murder in the 209th Criminal District Court, and he remains in custody. HPD released a booking photo of the suspect as part of the announcement.
Community Response
The death of Jakayla Alfred has deeply shaken her family and the Lorraine Street community. Neighbors described Alfred as a kind-hearted woman who kept to herself but was always willing to help those in need.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the victim and her family,” HPD said in a public statement. “This tragic case is a reminder of how devastating domestic violence can be.”
Community advocates are urging residents who may be experiencing abuse to seek help. Local organizations such as the Houston Area Women’s Center continue to provide resources, including emergency shelter and crisis hotlines, for those in unsafe relationships.
Ongoing Proceedings
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting. Investigators confirmed that Lerma and Alfred were in a relationship, and the case is being closely monitored by prosecutors as it moves forward in court.
As the legal process continues, Alfred’s family is left mourning the sudden and violent loss of a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.
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