In the summer of 2018, the community of Prattville, Alabama, was shaken by the tragic death of Chaka Shawnte Houser, a 39-year-old Black female. On the evening of July 27th, Ms. Houser was fatally shot by her ex-husband, DeRico Tierre Houser. The incident prompted an immediate alert from law enforcement for the apprehension of DeRico.
The search for the suspect came to a somber end the following morning.
Authorities discovered DeRico Tierre Houser deceased from what was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation concluded that the tragic event was a murder-suicide. Reports indicated that DeRico, a military veteran with specialized training, had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Chaka Houser was a graduate of Prattville High School and was employed as a secretary for Montgomery Area Mental Health. A loving mother to three children, her sudden and violent death left her family and community in mourning. Her life was remembered at a funeral service held on August 4, 2018, at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, followed by her burial at Prattville Memorial Gardens.
