Father charged with murder after birthday party tragedy

A children's birthday party in Houston, Texas, took a tragic turn when the mother of a 6-year-old was fatally shot at the celebration. The incident occurred on September 12, 2024, at approximately 8:35 p.m. in a townhouse on Locksley Road, according to Houston police.

Jalen Whitlock, 25, was shot at the front door of her residence during the birthday party. Jalin J. Foreman, 27, surrendered to Houston authorities on September 16 and now faces a murder charge in connection with the incident.

A criminal complaint filed by the Houston Police Department details the events leading to the shooting. According to a witness statement, Foreman arrived at the home during the party and fired at least five shots at the townhouse. The witness reported hearing Foreman shout phrases such as "I'm not scared of you" and "I know where you live."

Whitlock's boyfriend told investigators that Foreman, who is the father of her two children, had attempted to deliver a birthday gift to his daughter. However, Whitlock had denied him entry to the home. The boyfriend stated that Foreman left gifts at the front door, which the children retrieved.

Subsequently, a verbal altercation erupted between Foreman and Whitlock's boyfriend. The complaint cites the boyfriend's claim that Foreman taunted him and made references to fighting and shooting. Foreman allegedly returned to his truck, prompting the boyfriend to retrieve a firearm from the kitchen.

The boyfriend reported that upon returning to the front entrance, Foreman opened fire. The boyfriend said he returned fire before closing the door, at which point he discovered Whitlock had been shot.

Houston police confirmed that Foreman fled the scene following the shooting. He later turned himself in to authorities and was booked into the Harris County jail. When contacted for comment, Foreman's attorney declined to provide a statement.