Bail was denied today for Jeremy Porter, who is charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting death of 5-year-old Zah’Layah Walton, in Judge Michele Oncken’s 338th District Court. Zah’Layah’s family was in full attendance in the courtroom, along with Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare.
According to court documents, Porter admitted to investigators that he was driving on Grant Rd and fired five rounds toward another vehicle. He said he believed the other vehicle had fired at him and was driving erratically. Porter also told investigators that a man was driving the vehicle and several people were inside.
Court documents state that Zah’Layah’s mother was driving when she suddenly heard the back left window of her vehicle shatter. She saw a white Ford pickup truck nearby and watched it speed away. She also noticed that no one was sitting in the truck’s passenger seat.
Zah’Layah’s mother called 911 and then realized her 5-year-old daughter had been shot in the head. She applied pressure to Zah’Layah’s wound while waiting for EMS to arrive.
Zah’Layah was transported by Life Flight to a hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Officers later found four bullet holes in the family’s vehicle.
Investigators used Flock cameras to locate the white Ford pickup truck at a residence. According to court documents, officers identified Porter as the driver based on previous encounters involving him and the truck.
Officers later conducted a traffic stop on the Ford. Porter was read his rights and interviewed.
Porter is charged with capital murder in connection with Zah’Layah’s death. The investigation remains active.
An 11D hearing will be held at a later date to determine whether he will remain in custody without bail while the case is pending
