Chandra Belton, a 40-year-old African American woman, was tragically shot to death on April 4, 2010, in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Big H Auto Auction, located at 14450 West Road in northwest Harris County. Witnesses reported seeing Chandra and a man, later identified as her estranged husband Jerry Belton, arrive at the scene in a gold-colored SUV.
Shortly after their arrival, Jerry Belton shot Chandra multiple times before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle. Chandra's family reported her missing later that evening when they were unable to reach her by cell phone and found her purse inside her car.
Jerry Belton, a 51-year-old African American man, was arrested the following day in Amite, Louisiana, approximately 40 miles northeast of Baton Rouge. He was charged with the murder of Chandra Belton and was awaiting extradition to Texas. Jerry Belton's bond was set at $100,000. The case drew significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the murder and the subsequent manhunt for Jerry Belton.
The investigation revealed that Chandra Belton had left her home around 4 p.m. on the day of the incident with her estranged husband. They were driving Chandra's gold-colored Ford Escape. Jerry Belton returned to the family's residence shortly after 5 p.m. without Chandra and immediately left in his own vehicle, a tan 1998 to 2000 Toyota 4-door sedan. The family became increasingly concerned when they discovered Chandra's purse in her vehicle and could not reach her by phone.
Jerry Belton's arrest and subsequent legal proceedings were closely followed by the media. The case highlighted issues of domestic violence and the tragic consequences that can result from such situations. Jerry Belton was described as 5'11", weighing between 195 to 200 pounds, bald, and hearing impaired. The authorities urged anyone with information about the crime to contact Crime Stoppers.
