A domestic abuser was sentenced to life in jail for murdering his girlfriend three years ago, authorities said Friday.
Jermaine Houston, 40, fatally shot his girlfriend as she attempted to leave their residence near 27th and Glendale avenues in August 2022, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Racal Monique Ramos, 36, was collecting her belongings and chatting with a domestic violence shelter about finding a safe place to live when he shot her many times, prosecutors said.
Houston was found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and two counts of weapons misconduct.
Houston fled the scene of the shooting, but officers apprehended him in a nearby backyard.
“My office is committed to standing with victims, pursuing justice, and working to break this cycle of violence in our community,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in the announcement.
What happened before man fatally shot his girlfriend during domestic violence episode?
On August 23, 2022, officers responded to complaints of firearm-related threats at a residence.
Ramos’ friend was also present in the residence when the incident occurred. Ramos’ friend was there to support her and assist her in packing her possessions.
Prosecutors claim that Ramos pointed a gun at her as he attempted to depart. The friend attempted to intercede and persuade him to put aside the weapon.
When the cops arrived, Houston and his friend were on the terrace.
After spotting the officers, Houston returned inside and shot Ramos many times. Officers discovered her with many gunshot wounds. She was brought to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Her four children escaped the apartment during the shootout.
“Domestic violence destroys families in an instant,” Mitchell said. “Too often, children are left to carry the trauma of what they’ve witnessed, and survivors face impossible choices about their safety.”
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