A Texas man, Willie Simpson III, has been arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault after allegedly attempting to kill his ex-girlfriend’s four teenage children.
Simpson, 32, was taken into custody on Friday, following a violent incident at the Timber Creek apartment complex in Houston on July 27, 2024.
The Violent Threats and Attack
Simpson reportedly arrived at his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and encountered her two teenage sons, aged 16 and 19. The sons informed him that their mother was not home, prompting Simpson to call her on the phone.
According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, Simpson allegedly threatened to shoot her children unless she returned to the apartment.
Simpson then told the two brothers that if they did not go back inside the apartment, he would shoot them. When they tried to flee, Simpson allegedly opened fire, with the 19-year-old being shot in the abdomen. The victim didn’t realize he had been shot until he was inside the apartment.
Both brothers ran through the apartment, exited through the second-floor balcony, and jumped to escape Simpson.
The Impact on the Other Children
At the time of the shooting, Simpson’s ex-girlfriend’s other children were also home. The 13-year-old daughter and her 12-year-old sister had returned from the apartment complex’s pool with friends. According to the complaint, the 13-year-old saw Simpson standing near their apartment with a gun hanging from his pocket, and moments later, the two brothers fled.
When the gunfire erupted, the 12-year-old heard the shots and hid in the bathroom. The 13-year-old, who went to investigate, was confronted by Simpson, who allegedly pointed his gun at her. The girl hid inside a closet under a pile of clothes while Simpson allegedly searched the area.
She heard additional gunshots while still hiding, and later the police arrived to find the 12-year-old girl with a gunshot wound in her abdomen.
Both the 19-year-old and 12-year-old were taken to the hospital in critical condition. The 19-year-old underwent surgery to remove his spleen due to the severity of his injuries. Authorities have stated that both children are expected to survive.
The Mother’s Testimony and Simpson’s Prior Actions
The children’s mother, who had been in a relationship with Simpson in the past, told police that he had sent her numerous text messages earlier that day, asking to return to the apartment. When she refused, Simpson allegedly began calling her repeatedly, threatening to kill her children if she didn’t return.
During one of these calls, the mother heard one of her sons running away, just before Simpson allegedly opened fire on the family.
Charges and Arrest
Simpson was charged with three counts of aggravated assault of a family member, unlawful possession of a firearm, and burglary with intent to commit murder. He was arrested and his bond was set at $1,465,000 during his court appearance on Monday. Simpson remains in **custody at the Harris County Jail, with his next court date scheduled for Thursday.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The attack has shocked the community, particularly in the Timber Creek neighborhood, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Simpson’s actions. The police department has emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the children’s survival is a miracle given the violence of the incident.
The tragic incident underscores the escalating danger of domestic violence, particularly in situations where threats are made against family members. Simpson’s violent actions have left his ex-girlfriend’s children severely injured, but it is a relief that they are expected to survive.
As the investigation unfolds, the community and authorities will continue to address the devastating consequences of Simpson’s reckless behavior.
