Jennifer Lynn Alston, a 32-year-old woman from Central Gardens, Texas, tragically died on October 22, 2010. She was eight months pregnant with her son, Colton Allan Alston, at the time of her death. Jennifer was a quiet but dependable mother and a lifelong resident of Southeast Texas. She met her husband, Martin Alston, while working at AT&T, and the two had been happily married since May 2010.
The couple's deaths were determined to be a murder-suicide. Martin Alston shot Jennifer twice, once in the chest and once in the head, before turning the gun on himself. Their daughter, Reagan Alston, who was only 8 years old at the time, discovered their bodies in their bedroom. Investigators confirmed that Martin Alston shot Jennifer and then himself, with the first shot he fired only grazing the side of his head.
There were no arrests or suspects in this case, as it was determined to be a murder-suicide. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department conducted an investigation, but no further litigation or legal cases were pursued. The community mourned the loss of Jennifer and her unborn child, and a memorial service was held in her honor.
Jennifer's stepmother, Wanda Angelle, described her as someone who would do anything for anyone. Jennifer's funeral was held at Broussard's Mortuary in Nederland, followed by a burial at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. The tragic incident left a lasting impact on the family and the community, with Reagan Alston later becoming an advocate against violence.
