Woman shot by stalker outside north Harris County home after church run

A 19-year-old woman was shot outside her north Harris County home after returning from church, a late-night attack on the 2100 block of Hartwick Road that left her hospitalized and exposed how fast stalking can turn into a life-threatening assault.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Roosevelt Berry Jr. said the woman arrived home about 9:37 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, just east of Aldine Westfield Road in the Lindale Farms area when she noticed someone in her yard. Investigators said Emanuel Marin, 24, had been on the property in recent days and was waiting behind the gate or yard area before the confrontation.

Berry said Marin had previously attended church with the victim and her boyfriend, but he was banned from returning after allegedly making threats to staff members. That detail now stands out as one of the clearest warning signs in the case. Long before the shot was fired, the pattern included unwanted presence around the home, a church ban and reported threats tied to the same social circle.

According to investigators, the woman was trying to get away in her vehicle when Marin shot her in the arm and shoulder. A bullet passed through her shoulder and out the back. Her boyfriend, who had been following her home from church in a separate vehicle, witnessed the shooting and drove into Marin as Marin tried to flee, in what deputies said was an effort to protect her and disarm the suspect.

Both the woman and Marin were hospitalized and were expected to survive. Marin was reported to have suffered a broken leg and was expected to be transferred to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Detentions Medical Unit. The woman also underwent surgery, officials said.

Authorities said Marin is expected to face charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a felony. Harris County sheriff’s officials later said there was no documented prior stalking call history or restraining order tied to the case, underscoring a gap that often leaves families dependent on threats, bans and warning signs that do not always translate into court protection.

The shooting also hit a church community already tied to the case. KPRC 2 reported the victim is the daughter of a pastor at a nearby church, and investigators were seen at the church connection as part of the inquiry. In a county where many people drive home from evening services alone or in separate cars, this case shows how quickly a stalker’s presence can move from troubling behavior to a shooting outside the front door.