Police say Kevin Faux, the father of Ashanti Allen’s unborn child, was arrested in Louisiana after a dayslong search.

HOUSTON, Texas — A 24-year-old man accused of killing a pregnant Houston woman and her unborn child was arrested in Louisiana after investigators found her body near Chimney Rock Road, police said.

Kevin Faux is charged with capital murder in the death of Ashanti Allen, 23, who was eight months pregnant when she disappeared in April. Houston police first announced a murder charge while Faux was still being sought, then said he was taken into custody April 20 in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The case has drawn attention because Allen’s family said she was preparing for the birth of her son when she vanished.

Allen was reported missing April 10 after her mother received a text from Allen’s phone early that morning saying she was leaving and not coming back. Family members said the message did not sound like her. Investigators later reviewed records from Allen’s apartment complex on South Main Street, where court documents say someone used a resident app to open a door at 2:22 a.m. Allen and Faux were then seen walking toward a parking garage, and her vehicle left the garage at 2:25 a.m. with a person matching Faux’s description behind the wheel. Her father, Edward Allen, said the family had been hoping she would return safely. “My body’s been numb ever since I received the phone call,” he said.

The investigation shifted from a missing person case to a homicide after searchers found a woman’s body about 9 a.m. April 16 at 11655 Chimney Rock Road in southwest Houston. Houston police said investigators working with Texas EquuSearch discovered the body and later identified the victim as Allen. Charging documents cited by local reports say she was found with a cord wrapped around her neck and tied in knots. Police said an autopsy would determine the cause and manner of death. Investigators said Faux was developed as a suspect during the case and that they learned he was the father of Allen’s unborn child. Authorities have not released a full motive. The unborn child was identified by family members as Jaxon.

Court documents described several pieces of evidence that police say tied Faux to Allen’s disappearance and death. A witness told investigators Faux made a FaceTime call around 3:17 a.m. April 10 from a wooded area, appeared sweaty and frantic, and said he had killed someone. The witness said he showed what appeared to be a body on the ground. Investigators also said text messages were sent from Faux to that witness after the call. At 3:50 a.m., Allen’s mother received the unusual message from Allen’s phone. When relatives checked Allen’s apartment, they said her car was missing and her purse appeared to have been emptied, with her wallet and identification gone.

Allen’s brother later tracked her phone to a home connected to Faux’s mother, according to charging documents described by Houston news outlets. Faux was called while family members were there and allegedly said he had not seen Allen in about a week. Police later recovered Allen’s vehicle near the home and found her phone at Edgewood Park. Investigators also reviewed doorbell video and location data that they said matched Faux’s movements on April 10. A nearby business video reportedly showed a man in clothing consistent with Faux dragging what appeared to be a body near the location where Allen was later found. Those claims remain allegations unless proven in court.

Faux’s movements after Allen disappeared became another focus for investigators. Court records said he contacted a woman in Jefferson Parish on April 10 and told her he had bought a bus ticket to visit her. She told investigators he arrived in Louisiana around 5 a.m. April 12 and mentioned being connected to a Houston missing person case involving his “baby mama.” She said he asked her not to look up the case online, denied involvement when questioned, and was later seen using Allen’s debit card. Authorities said a tip helped lead law enforcement to him. Members of the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Faux in Jefferson Parish on April 20.

The case also raised questions about Faux’s prior contact with the criminal justice system. Local court records reviewed by Houston news outlets showed Faux had previous assault-related cases, including allegations involving Allen in 2025. Reports said he pleaded guilty in February to assault of a family member after a more serious continuous family violence charge was reduced. He received a jail sentence but was credited for time already served, which allowed his release before Allen’s death. Family members said they did not know the full details of the earlier case until after she disappeared. They questioned how a man with that record was free while Allen was close to giving birth.

Relatives described Allen as excited about becoming a mother and said she was planning for the baby’s arrival. In the days before she disappeared, family members said she was talking about buying a car seat and stroller. Edward Allen said his daughter was his only girl and that the baby would have been his first grandson. Search volunteers, relatives and friends spent days looking for Allen before the discovery near Chimney Rock Park ended the search. Texas EquuSearch thanked those who helped and said its thoughts were with Allen’s loved ones. The public statements from family members were marked by grief, anger and disbelief.

Faux faces prosecution in the 228th Criminal District Court in Harris County. Houston police first said he was wanted on a murder charge, then said he was charged with capital murder after investigators identified Allen and learned more about the unborn child. After his arrest in Louisiana, authorities said he was awaiting extradition to Harris County. Prosecutors were expected to seek continued detention while the case moves through court. Faux has not been convicted of the charge. The next steps include formal court appearances, continued review of evidence and any findings released by the medical examiner.

As of May 9, Faux was no longer the subject of a manhunt, but the murder case remained active. Houston police have said the investigation is continuing, and court proceedings in Harris County will determine how the capital murder charge moves forward.

Author note: Last updated May 9, 2026.