HOUSTON, TX – A Texas man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend in front of their children during a birthday celebration for one of their kids.

Jalin J. Foreman, 27, is accused of killing Jalen Whitlock, 25, during an altercation at her Houston home on Saturday night. Authorities report that the incident occurred as Whitlock and her children were celebrating her 6-year-old child’s birthday.

According to the criminal complaint, Foreman arrived at Whitlock’s home around 8:30 p.m., purportedly to deliver a birthday gift to his daughter. Whitlock had informed Foreman that he was not welcome at the house. When Whitlock’s current boyfriend answered the door, an argument erupted between him and Foreman, stemming from a previous incident where Foreman allegedly shot at the residence.

The dispute escalated outside the townhome, with Foreman allegedly provoking and threatening the boyfriend. Foreman then retrieved a firearm from his truck, which was parked in front of the home, while Whitlock’s children were nearby.

As tensions increased, Whitlock’s boyfriend armed himself with a gun from the kitchen. According to the complaint, Foreman opened fire, and Whitlock’s boyfriend returned shots. Whitlock, reportedly trying to protect her children, was struck. She later was found by her boyfriend on the floor.

Testimonies from neighbors and surveillance footage provided further insight into the event. One neighbor stated she saw Foreman arrive in a white Chevy Tahoe and heard him yelling threats before he fired multiple shots at the home. Surveillance footage captured the SUV driving away and returning shortly thereafter.

Another witness described seeing Foreman with a gun at a stop sign in the same vehicle, reportedly making further threats.

In the aftermath of the shooting, police quickly focused on Foreman as the prime suspect. Despite efforts to locate him, Foreman remained at large as of Monday. Houston police expressed optimism about catching him soon, urging Foreman to turn himself in.

“We are confident we will find him,” said Houston Police Lt. R. Willkens. “It’s in his best interest to come forward and explain his actions.”

Whitlock’s children were unharmed in the incident but were present when their mother was fatally shot, adding a heartbreaking dimension to the tragic event.