Federal charges filed in fatal Houston Heights carjacking and shooting

HOUSTON - An 18-year-old Houston man is now facing federal carjacking and firearms charges following a fatal shooting in the Heights area and subsequent vehicle and foot pursuit, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Darius Dewayne Hall is in custody on related state charges and is expected to make his appearance in federal court in the near future.

The federal criminal complaint alleges Hall shot the victim on the evening of March 6, stole the vehicle she was driving, changed his clothes to avoid identification, and engaged in a vehicle and foot pursuit before his arrest.

According to the allegations, the victim had dropped off a friend at an apartment complex in the Heights area of Houston after, spending the day at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She then parked the vehicle - a 2019 Toyota Highlander - on the street and began walking back toward the residence.

Shortly thereafter, the charges allege witnesses heard a female scream, followed by a loud popping sound. Hall was allegedly seen going through the victim's purse near the area before driving off in the Toyota Highlander. According to the allegations, the victim had suffered a single gunshot wound to the neck. Authorities took her to Memorial Hermann Hospital where medical personnel pronounced her deceased shortly after midnight.

Law enforcement was able to locate the stolen Toyota Highlander and attempted a traffic stop, but it fled, according to the complaint. A short pursuit resulted in a crash, at which time Hall ran from the driver's side and attempted to evade capture on foot, according to the charges.

Hall was allegedly wearing the same clothing observed at the shooting scene. However, during the ensuing foot chase, law enforcement recovered clothing Hall had allegedly discarded as he fled before they took him into custody.

The federal carjacking charge carries up to a life sentence or the possibility of death. He also faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life if convicted of the related firearms offense. Both convictions could also result in a $250,000 maximum possible fine.

FBI-Houston Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.