On April 8, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded at McDuffie's Mortuary in north Houston, Texas, resulting in the death of 22-year-old Erik (also spelled Erick) Hubert. The event occurred during a memorial service when a dispute erupted between two families, escalating into a physical altercation that spilled into the funeral home's parking lot.
In an attempt to quell the confrontation, 67-year-old Queen Ester Jackson, identified as Hubert's great aunt, retrieved a firearm with the
intention of firing a warning shot into the air. According to court documents, Jackson stated that when she initially pulled the trigger, the gun did not discharge. Subsequently, as she lowered the weapon and pointed it away from her body, it discharged, striking Hubert in the head. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the incident, Jackson was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Her bond was initially set at $30,000 but was later increased to $50,000. She was scheduled to appear in court on June 5, 2023. Family members of the victim expressed their belief that the shooting was intentional and called for more severe charges against Jackson.
The tragic death of Erik Hubert at a family funeral underscores the devastating consequences that can arise from the presence of firearms during emotionally charged situations. The case proceeded through the legal system, with Jackson facing serious charges related to the incident.
