On September 16, 2024, at approximately 6 a.m., 55-year-old Andrea Denkins was found deceased from multiple gunshot wounds inside her apartment at the Haverstock Hills Apartments, located at 5619 Aldine Bender Road in northeast Harris County, Houston, Texas. The Harris County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting and discovered Denkins unresponsive; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of the incident, several individuals, including 24-year-old Desman Govan, were present in Denkins' apartment. According to court documents, a witness reported that he and Govan had been socializing in Denkins' home, watching a Texans game the previous evening. The witness stated that Denkins had retired to bed while he and Govan remained in the living room. The witness was later awakened by Govan, who allegedly confessed to shooting Denkins. The witness did not hear any gunshots and was unaware of Govan's motive.
Following the investigation, on the same day as the incident, members of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT) arrested Govan. He was subsequently charged with murder in connection with Denkins' death and is currently held at the Harris County Jail. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the case to contact the HCSO Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.
Denkins was a mother of two and a grandmother of four. Her family described her as having a "heart of gold," always willing to help others despite not having much herself. The Haverstock Hills Apartments, where she resided, have been noted for a history of violent incidents, prompting calls from residents and relatives for increased safety measures in the complex.
