Houston Heights Murder: Darius Hall Faces Federal Charges in Austin Woman’s Death
HOUSTON, TX – Darius Dewayne Hall, 18, is now facing federal carjacking and firearms charges in connection with the murder of Marietta Allison, 61, of Austin, Texas. The charges reach after Hall was initially arrested and charged with capital murder following the shooting in Houston’s Heights neighborhood on Friday night. Allison was visiting Houston to support a friend undergoing cancer treatment.
Details of the Incident
According to Houston police, Allison was walking toward an apartment near West 20th Street and Lawrence Street after dropping off her friend at MD Anderson Cancer Center when she was approached by a masked, armed man attempting to steal her purse. After she resisted, the robber opened fire, striking Allison in the neck. She was transported to a local hospital where she later died.
Initial Arrest and Charges
Hall was initially charged with capital murder and was ordered held without bond on Saturday morning. He confessed to evading police and admitted to being in the vehicle used in the incident, but initially denied involvement in the shooting, according to a prosecutor’s statement in court.
Federal Charges Filed
On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the federal charges of carjacking and firearms violations against Hall. Click2Houston reports that if convicted on the carjacking charge, Hall could face a life sentence or the death penalty. The firearms charge carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, along with a potential fine of up to $250,000.
Victim and Suspect Background
Marietta Allison, the victim, was remembered by friends as a caring individual who traveled to Houston to support a friend battling cancer. CBS Austin reported that Allison’s friend, Cassie Daniel, described the act as “senseless” and rooted in “evil.”
Hall was already on community supervision for previous charges of aggravated assault and robbery at the time of the shooting, according to court documents. CBS Austin similarly noted that State Rep. Candy Noble plans to file a bill addressing information sharing regarding juvenile offenders with violent pasts who become adults.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with both federal and local authorities involved. The case has drawn attention to concerns about violent crime and the safety of residents in the Houston Heights area. Fox26 Houston is following the developments closely.