HOUSTON – Deadly domestic violence incidents assisted by children are becoming alarmingly frequent in Houston area, with several cases involving death or serious injury in recent months.

The recent cases span the neighborhoods of heights, East Houston, Seabrook, Deer parkand northern Harris Countymany taking place in the presence of or while children were nearby.

In a recent case in the north Harris CountyMarisol Zamora is accused of killing her husband, Miguel Zamora-Martinez, over the weekend. The couple’s three children were reportedly at home at the time of the incident. While it’s unclear whether they directly witnessed the shooting, investigators say the children were exposed to the aftermath, an experience experts say can lead to lasting trauma.

READING: Houston mother charged with murder after children hear gunshots, see her near father’s body

In court, prosecutors shared details of the shooting, revealing that Zamora initially claimed self-defense but later gave different accounts to law enforcement. Court records indicate her teenage children heard gunshots and saw Zamora standing with a gun next to her husband’s body. Zamora’s defense team, however, described the incident as a tragic accident, with no one directly witnessing an altercation or the shooting itself.

BACKGROUND: Woman in custody after shooting and killing her husband, HCSO said

Defense claims suggest a child mentioned the gun jammed or malfunctioned during the incident.

Zamora is currently in the Harris County Jail on $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Houston Domestic Violence Statistics

Domestic violence has hit Houston hard this year.

right Harris County Sheriff’s Office23 of 83 murders in the county were related to domestic violence.

Within Houston city limits, 48 ​​of 215 murders between January and August involved domestic violence, marking a 2 percent increase from 2023.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Staci Passe told KPRC 2’s Corley Peel the traumatic impact witnessing domestic violence can have on children, even as young as three or four.

“The trauma and terror of witnessing violence, especially murder, can stay with children throughout their childhood and into young adulthood,” she said.

Dr. Passe advised that anyone in regular contact with children in unstable home environments should remain vigilant, watching for signs of distress or changes in behavior.

“If a child is living in a home with domestic violence, those around them need to notice and ask questions,” Passe noted. “Even simple conversations about home life could reveal warning signs worth investigating.”

KPRC 2 wants you to know that resources are available to help you get out of these situations before it’s too late.

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