Jennifer Davis told KHOU 11 that her child, Jade, was just days away from turning 26 years old, when police said she was shot and killed.
HOUSTON — An abandoned bank building in southwest Houston that has long frustrated nearby residents and city leaders is finally being demolished, months after someone was found shot to death inside.
The former Wells Fargo building on Hillcroft Avenue near Westheimer Road has been plagued for years by complaints about illegal dumping, debris and safety concerns. Houston police said a 25-year-old victim named Jade, was found shot and killed inside the vacant building on Jan. 2.
Seeing the building being torn down is bringing some relief to neighbors and to Jade’s family, who said the past several months have been devastating.
“It’s been extremely hard. I don’t wish this pain on anyone. Losing a child is an unbearable pain,” Jade’s mother, Jennifer Davis, said.
Davis said Jade was just days away from turning 26 years old when she was found dead. Adding to the family’s anguish is that police are still searching for the killer.
“I want to plea to the public for help, for their help, and anyone with any information that knew Jade, please come forward,” Davis said.
Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas said her heart goes out to Jade’s family.
Thomas has been pushing for action on the blighted property for years. More than two dozen complaints have been filed against the site over drainage issues, illegal dumping and other ongoing problems.
“It just became an eyesore,” Thomas said.
Thomas said homeless individuals seeking shelter frequently broke into the building, raising additional health and safety concerns.
After about 18 months of citations with little progress, Thomas said Jade’s death became the catalyst for increased pressure on the property owner.
“We had to ring the alarm in another way, and I called Public Works, like what can be done to escalate something,” Thomas said.
Based on the ongoing demolition work spotted by KHOU 11’s cameras Thursday, it appears to have worked.
“Now, as you can see, there’s active demolition, active activity happening here, which is a sign in the right direction,” Thomas said. “Take care of the property. Secure your property. The property owner has had this within their possession for several years, and not much activity has happened without pressure from the city.”
A sign posted at the property indicates a new gas station could eventually be built on the site. But when KHOU 11’s Orko Manna contacted the property owner to ask about what is next, they declined to comment.
Whatever is ultimately built there, Jade’s family said they hope safety will remain the top priority.
“Happy because it’s gone and maybe nothing like that will happen to someone else’s child,” Davis said.
Anyone with information about Jade’s death is urged to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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