March 29, 2011 - Houston police are investigating the apparent suicide of a man and wounding of a woman at 8300 Canyon Street #1025 about 6:15 p.m. on Monday (March 28).

The deceased male, Michael Anthony Venters (b/m, DOB: 6-3-82), suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.  The female victim, Erica Semeko Hilliard, 28, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants R. Torres and K. Deese reported:

Ms. Hilliard confronted Venters (her live-in boyfriend) about having sexual relations with her best friend.  She told Venters she was ending their relationship and asked him to leave the apartment.  Venters then produced a gun, shot Hilliard several times and then turned the gun on himself.  Hilliard's four-year-old son, who was present at the time of the shooting, was unharmed and was later turned over to Hilliard's family.



VHS/JFC  3-29-11
Inc. #038893311