Gang Ties Possible After Houston Girl, 8, Gunned Down: Police

HOUSTON, TX -- The brutal killing of 8-year-old De’Maree Adkins on Saturday has sparked a myriad of emotions that has caused ripple effects from Houston to the Governor’s mansion, and galvanized the Houston community to find those responsible for this murder.

During a press conference on Monday, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo suggested the shooting of the girl might be gang-related.

“If I were to venture a guess, I think this is going to end up being gang-related,” Acevedo said. “Now, I don’t know that definitively, but lets face it, most people don’t go out in the middle of the night shooting up people.”

It was about 3 a.m. on Feb. 25 when Latoyia Jarmon-Thomas was on her way home from a hair appointment and a visit with friends.

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Her daughter, De’Maree Adkins, was sleeping in the backseat, when out of the corner of her eyes,Thompson saw the headlights of two cars coming at a high rate of speed.

The light turned yellow as she continued through the intersection of West Fuqua and Beltway 8 and T-boned a white Pontiac Grand Prix.

In the aftermath, Thomas turned to ask if her daughter was OK.

De’Maree had been jolted awake, and answeedr, “Yeah, I'm OK. What happened?”

That’s when Thomas saw a woman get out of the Grand Prix and start shooting, and her car.

The woman then got into a dark colored car and left.

Thomas had no idea at the time that her daughter, De’Maree Adkins had been shot after that horrific accident.

See Also: 8-Year Old Girl Is Shot And Killed After Traffic Accident

She died a short time later at an area hospital.

Through interviews, Thomas mourned as only a mother can for her child, and the outrage in the recent outbreak of senseless violence grew.

On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor’s Office was offering up to $10,000 for information that helps police identify the killer, adding to the $5,000 already offered by Crime Stoppers.

"Cecilia and I send our deepest sympathies to De'Maree's family during this unimaginably difficult time," Abbott said in a news release. "There is no place for heinous acts like this in Texas. We urge anyone who has any information to contact Houston Crime Stoppers immediately to bring those involved to justice."

Meanwhile, friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for funeral expenses for De’Maree Adkins.

To make contribution, please click here to go to the GoFundMe page.

Image: Courtesy photo

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