On February 18, 2024, 17-year-old Carddell London Jr. was tragically found shot to death in the front yard of a residence on Brookemeade Drive near Bathurst Drive in southwest Houston. A local woman discovered his body around 11 p.m. while taking out her trash. Carddell was a student at James Madison High School, located just a block away from the crime scene.
Carddell's mother, Altisha London, had relocated the family from Louisiana to Houston three years prior, seeking a safer environment and better opportunities. She expressed profound grief and frustration, stating, "I know there is crime everywhere, but I wanted to get my son out of Louisiana... Unfortunately, my son was murdered to the streets, the reason I left, and he still ended up being murdered."
Investigators believe that Carddell was acquainted with his assailant. Surveillance footage obtained by ABC13 reportedly shows Carddell walking with another individual shortly before four gunshots are heard. This evidence suggests a possible personal connection between the victim and the shooter.
The neighborhood where the incident occurred has been a source of concern for residents. One anonymous neighbor mentioned that since 2019, there have been issues with students loitering, allegedly engaging in activities like smoking marijuana during school hours. Another resident expressed feeling like a prisoner in her own home due to safety fears. Houston Police Department records indicate at least four calls related to shootings at that address since 2021.
Despite the surveillance footage and testimonies, as of now, there have been no arrests made in connection with Carddell's death. Authorities continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to contact the HPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers anonymously. Carddell's family is pleading for justice and hoping that someone will come forward to assist in resolving the case.
