Courtney Smith is charged with murder after investigators say she admitted to fatally shooting 21-year-old Maysie Murphy.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The family of a 21-year-old woman found shot to death inside a home in the Crosby area is speaking out as the woman accused in the case faces a murder charge.
According to investigators, deputies responded Monday afternoon to a home on Adlong Johnson Road in northeast Harris County.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Courtney Smith, told deputies she had shot her granddaughter and her boyfriend. However, when deputies entered the home, they found only one victim.
Investigators identified the victim as Maysie Murphy, who was found dead in a hallway from apparent gunshot wounds.
During a probable cause hearing Tuesday evening, a judge said Smith admitted to shooting the 21-year-old victim. Smith was expected to appear in court but did not attend the hearing.
Authorities said deputies had also responded to the same home earlier Monday after Smith reportedly claimed she was “seeing demons.”
Investigators say Smith had met the homeowners online and had been staying at the house. Murphy’s parents told KHOU 11 there was no relation between Smith and their daughter, saying the suspect was a friend of the homeowners.
In statements shared with KHOU 11, Murphy’s parents described their daughter as loving, unique and full of life.
“Maysie loved and was loved by anybody who’s ever come in contact with her. You could never tell what she was going to do or wear next. I called her our little hippy. The world is definitely a darker place without her. Taken from us so early. The hole and hurt are felt by so many; may our daughter rest easy,” her father said.
Her mother added that Murphy “was such a blessing to be around.”
“She was such a great sister to her siblings and always there when someone needed her. She would light up any room she walked into. To know her is to love her. Genuine, kind, outgoing and had so many goals in life. She marched to the beat of her own drum and didn’t care what others thought. She loved working at Cactus Jacks as a server and loved her family unconditionally. She will be dearly missed.”
Smith’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
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