Houston police: Man kills mother of his children, tells witness to raise kids

Jeff Ehling Image
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Jeff Ehling
Suspect is identified in the murder of Lakeisha Lewis.

HOUSTON -- Houston police are searching for an alleged killer who gunned down the mother of his three children then left her current boyfriend wounded and in critical condition in north Houston early Tuesday morning.

Police say the suspect is 27-year-old Darrell P. Mitchell, who was a former boyfriend of the victim, 23-year-old Lakeisha Lewis.

Darrell P. Mitchell

The suspect and victim only recently broke up, but the victim's family say Mitchell was still obsessed with Lewis.

"I was numb still, I didn't think, I'm still not thinking, I don't want to think about it," said Ebonie Sophus, Lewis' cousin.

HPD says after the shooting, Mitchell allegedly told a witness that he killed Williams and apparently thought he killed the boyfriend.

The witness says Mitchell said, "You will have to raise the kids now."

Authorities believe Mitchell is a danger to himself or the community.

Apparently Lewis and her new boyfriend, identified as Johnel Francis, 24, were in the apartment when Mitchell showed up around 2:30am.

They believe Mitchell came to the Gulf Coast Arms apartment complex after seeing the children on a social media post made overnight by a babysitter.

"He was really obsessed with her and just jealous," said Laquita Harrell, Lewis' cousin.

Lewis died in her apartment.

Francis was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds.

Mitchell then left in a charcoal Dodge Avenger.

Lewis and Mitchell have three young children, ages 5, 3, and 1, and were not at the apartment when the shooting happened.

HPD is also saying that Mitchell is a member of a local gang whose name includes references to violence toward women.

If you know any information or Mitchell's whereabouts you are urged to call HPD.

We're following this story on Eyewitness News. Watch for updates on air, online and on our mobile news app.

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