October 3, 2024 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a woman at 8301 Willow Place Drive North about 8:05 a.m. on Wednesday (October 2).

The suspect, Howard Devon Ruffin, 39, is charged with murder in the 180th State District Court. A booking photo of Ruffin is attached to this news release.

The identity of the victim, 32, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives W. Huff and J. Nguyen reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex at the above address and were told by Houston Fire Department paramedics that an unresponsive female with gunshot wounds was found in an apartment. The woman was pronounced deceased by paramedics.

Further investigation, evidence from the scene and witness statements developed information on a possible suspect named Howard Ruffin, the victim's boyfriend.

Several hours later, HPD North Belt Patrol Division Tactical Unit officers contacted homicide detectives and advised the suspect wanted to turn himself in and speak with them. Ruffin did so and provided a statement to detectives. The Harris County District Attorney's Office was contacted and Ruffin was subsequently charged and booked into the Harris County Jail.