A mum was tragically killed by a stray bullet while sleeping in bed with her son because her neighbour allegedly fired at a group of people trying to steal cars.
Bethany Mefford, 29, was in bed with her son on Wednesday when the shooting started.
A burglary was underway in Mefford’s apartment complex in Houston, Texas. Several suspects were reportedly seen breaking into vehicles at around 2.30am.
Her neighbour Darius Lewis, 28, spotted the suspected crime and allegedly opened fire at the suspects.
But his gunfire went astray and hit the innocent mum while she slept next to her young boy.
READ MORE: Ex-Trump staffer denies former president sexually harassed her
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that between six to 15 shots were fired, with one shot hitting the sleeping mum.
The police chief told reporters: “Our hearts are broken. Families out here… they’re torn up about it.
“We were just thinking about how tragic. This person’s not out and about…putting herself in harm’s way in any way.”
Lewis has been charged with manslaughter in connection with Mefford’s death. Three burglary suspects, two adults, and one child, have also been taken into custody.
Mefford’s sister, Dani Gray, told Texas broadcaster KHOU 11: “Bethany lived for her kids. Everything that she did was for them.”
Doug Gray, the 29-year-old’s dad, said: “The world lost an angel yesterday. I can’t express that enough.”
Longtime boyfriend Ricardo Lung also paid tribute, saying: “She went out peacefully. She had her eyes closed and was sleeping normal.”
Mefford leaves behind three boys, all seven years old, after the tragic incident.
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/DailyExpress and @Daily_Express
