Dominique Jernae Million, a 23-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on May 24, 2021, in Baytown, Texas. Dominique was seven months pregnant at the time of her death. She was struck by a stray bullet from a shootout between gang members while inside her apartment on Garth Road. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Dominique succumbed to her injuries after being transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
However, doctors were able to successfully deliver her baby daughter, who survived and is now being raised by Dominique's mother.
The investigation into Dominique's death was extensive and spanned over three years. Baytown police, along with SWAT officers, K9 units, and ATF agents, worked tirelessly to build a solid case against the suspects involved. The investigation relied heavily on digital forensics, a national ballistics database, and fresh interviews that provided crucial information. The dedication of the Baytown Police Department and their in-house digital forensics unit played a significant role in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Four men were ultimately charged with Dominique's murder. Aaron Heads Jr., 22, and Deavonte Williams, 25, were arrested by Baytown police, while Larry Harris, 25, and Zaviay Turner, 22, were already serving time for unrelated offenses. All four suspects are documented gang members. The arrests marked the culmination of a rigorous investigation that involved revisiting the case and re-interviewing individuals to uncover additional crucial information.
The tragic loss of Dominique Jernae Million highlights the seriousness of gang-related violence and the impact it has on innocent lives. The Baytown Police Department's relentless pursuit of justice for Dominique and her family underscores their commitment to holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Dominique's death serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat gang violence and protect communities from such senseless tragedies.
