On January 6, 2022, Bria Lockett, a 27-year-old Black woman, was tragically shot and killed in Hitchcock, Texas. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Wayne Johnson Avenue near Prino Road. Bria was found in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, while her 3-year-old child, who was also in the car, was unharmed. Despite being rushed to UTMB Galveston, Bria succumbed to her injuries. The Hitchcock Police Department, along with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, launched an investigation into the shooting. Initial reports indicated that Bria was not the intended target and was an innocent bystander.
The investigation into Bria Lockett's death led to the arrest of Brent Howard, a 25-year-old man from Galveston County. Howard was indicted on a murder charge for Bria's death. The authorities had gathered enough probable cause to arrest him after two years of investigation. Howard was already in federal custody on unrelated gun charges when he was indicted. The investigation also suggested the involvement of at least one other individual, and the case remains ongoing.
Bria Lockett, who graduated from Prairie View A&M University and lived in La Marque, Texas, was remembered by her family and community as an innocent victim caught in a tragic situation. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward. The community continues to seek justice for Bria and her family.
