May 16, 2024 - Charges have been upgraded against a suspect arrested in the fatal stabbing of a man located at 12141 Richmond Avenue about 12:30 a.m. last Friday (May 10).  

The suspect, Shawna Sharell Torrence, 38, is now charged with murder in the 488th State District Court.  A new booking photo of Torrence is attached to this news release.  

The male victim, identified as Steven Johnson, 39, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.  Doctors pronounced him deceased on Saturday (May 11).   

HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division Detective D. King reported:  

HPD patrol officers were investigating an unrelated incident at the above address when they were alerted of a male dropped off with a stab wound to the leg by an unidentified female. The male told emergency medical personnel the female (Torrence), who attempted to leave the location, was trying to kill him.  Patrol officers detained Torrence for further questioning.

An initial investigation indicated Mr. Johnson and Torrence, who were in a dating relationship, as well as a witness, had gone to several bars.  When they left the last location, Johnson sat in the back seat of the vehicle and the witness sat in the front seat.   After dropping off the witness, according to Torrence, she tried to speak to Johnson, who was unresponsive.  When she reached back to touch his leg, it was bloody.  Torrence then drove Johnson to the above location on Richmond to be treated.  Johnson was then transported via Life Flight helicopter to another hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Further investigation identified Torrence as the suspect in this case.  The Harris County District Attorney's Office was contacted and Torrence was subsequently charged for her role in this incident.  She was arrested on Wednesday (May 15) without incident.  


Shawna Sharell Torrence



Update: VHS/JKS  5-16-24
VHS/SOA/JKS  5-13-24
Inc.. #067065624