safety
Man charged with killing woman he was dating at southwest Houston apartment complex
By Ninfa Saavedra at KPRC Click2Dallas-Fort Worth
· June 23, 2026
· 2 min read
A murder charge has been filed against a man accused of fatally shooting a woman at a southwest Houston apartment complex last week, according to the Houston Police Department.Michael D. Franklin, 46, has been charged with murder in the 179th State District Court in connection with the death of 4...
Key takeaway Franklin, 46, has been charged with murder in the 179th State District Court in connection with the death of 44-year-old Ladana Murrell.
Why this matters in Bellaire News
The fatal shooting of Ladana Murrell at a southwest Houston apartment complex raises concerns about domestic violence in the greater Houston area, including Bellaire . As a city surrounded by Houston, Bellaire residents are not isolated from the safety issues that affect the larger metropolitan area. The fact that the suspect, Michael D. Franklin, was in a dating relationship with the victim highlights the need for continued support and resources for those affected by domestic violence. Bellaire's own police department and city government may consider reviewing their protocols for responding to and preventing domestic violence incidents, in light of this tragic event. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for Bellaire residents to be aware of the resources available to them, such as the Houston Police Department's homicide division and Crime Stoppers, which can provide assistance and support in cases like this.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC Click2Dallas-Fort Worth . Bellaire News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC Click2Dallas-Fort Worth . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC Click2Dallas-Fort Worth ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A murder charge has been filed against a man accused of fatally shooting a woman at a southwest Houston apartment complex last week, according to the Houston Police Department.Michael D. Franklin, 46, has been charged with murder in the 179th State District Court in connection with the death of 4...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KPRC Click2Dallas-Fort Worth and curated for Bellaire News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ninfa Saavedra at KPRC Click2Dallas-Fort Worth. To learn more about how Bellaire News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Bellaire News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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