On December 15, 2023, in Houston, Texas, 32-year-old Christina Rene Abner was tragically killed in a domestic violence incident. Her husband, 35-year-old Keith Marion Lee, has been charged with her murder and three counts of injury to a child following the brutal attack on their family.
In the early hours of that Friday, Houston Police Department officers responded to reports of an assault in the 5100 block of Enyart Street.
Upon arrival, they encountered two of the couple's children, an 11-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, who had fled to a neighbor's home seeking help. Both children exhibited signs of severe physical abuse, including swollen eyes and other injuries. The eldest child informed officers that their father had shot their mother, directing them to the family residence.
Inside the home, officers discovered the lifeless body of Christina Abner, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Additionally, they found the couple's 3-year-old son suffering from critical injuries, including a skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, and collapsed lung. All three children were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Lee was apprehended at the scene; he was found on the roof of a neighboring house and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently charged with murder and three counts of injury to a child.
Court records reveal a history of domestic disturbances involving Lee and Abner. In October 2023, Lee was arrested for harassing Abner, though the charge was later dismissed due to a lack of probable cause. Earlier, in 2010, he was arrested for assaulting her, to which he pleaded no contest and received deferred adjudication. Neighbors reported that the couple had been arguing in the weeks leading up to the fatal incident, and police had responded to multiple disturbance calls at their residence in the preceding months.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, family and friends held a vigil to honor Christina's memory, emphasizing the importance of addressing domestic violence and seeking help in such situations. Her brother, Brandon Abner, expressed forgiveness towards Lee, stating, "Anger will never bring my sister back. Hate will never bring my sister back." He also highlighted the need for collective support in raising and caring for the surviving children, who now face a long road to recovery both physically and emotionally.
This devastating event underscores the critical need for awareness and intervention in domestic violence cases. Resources are available for those in abusive situations, including the Houston Area Women's Center and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Community support and vigilance remain essential in preventing such tragedies and providing assistance to those in need.
