On June 13, 2023, 29-year-old Kimmerly Nguyen was charged with the murder of 21-year-old Cris Pena, who was found with a fatal gunshot wound in an apartment on Magnolia Cove Drive in Kingwood, Texas.
According to court records, Nguyen and Pena had known each other for several years. On the morning of the incident, Nguyen reportedly informed her roommate that Pena was coming over to play video games. The roommate later heard a loud noise, which she initially dismissed.
Nguyen then entered the roommate's room, stating that Pena had shot himself. The roommate called 911 and attempted CPR, while Nguyen did not assist or seek help. Instead, she left the apartment, engaging in various activities such as playing pool and making coffee in the complex's common areas.
Upon arrival, police found Pena with a gunshot wound and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Nguyen returned to the apartment complex approximately two hours later and was taken into custody. Investigators discovered narcotics and a shell casing at the scene. An autopsy revealed that Pena's gunshot wound was inconsistent with a self-inflicted injury, leading to Nguyen's arrest on murder charges.
Nguyen's criminal history includes previous charges of marijuana possession, driving while intoxicated, and assault. She is currently held on a $200,000 bond, awaiting further court proceedings.
