Murder Charges Accepted for Suspect in Killing of Harris County Corporal
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has officially accepted murder charges against Athir Murady, the suspect accused of fatally shooting Harris County Precinct 4 Corporal Maher Husseini earlier this week. This development was confirmed by a spokesperson for the D.A.’s office during a statement provided to KHOU 11 on Thursday morning.
Corporal Husseini tragically lost his life in a shooting incident in southwest Houston on Tuesday, September 5. The authorities are now working collectively to bring justice to the accused perpetrator.
Previously, Murady was already facing an evading arrest charge in Galveston County following a chase that ended with his apprehension from a bay. During the arrest, Murady resisted officers, resulting in a K9 biting him while still on the police boat. He was subsequently treated at a local hospital before being transferred to the Galveston County Jail on Wednesday.
During an interview on Wednesday, Sgt. Nick Yeley from the Galveston City Marshal’s Office revealed that he spotted the vehicle associated with Corporal Husseini’s shooting death, leading to a sequence of events that culminated in Murady’s arrest near the Galveston Causeway.
Documents obtained by KHOU 11 Investigates uncovered that a man with the same name as the suspect was licensed as an armed security officer and held various security training certifications. Mustafa Abushalbak, an operations manager for Corporal Husseini’s security company, disclosed that they had interactions with Murady a year prior.
On Wednesday, investigators spent hours meeting with the corporal’s family and colleagues, trying to make sense of why such a tragedy occurred.
Husseini’s colleagues and friends are still reeling from the loss, describing him as a compassionate individual always eager to assist others.
Speaking on behalf of the security company, Abushalbak expressed their profound grief, saying, “We are going to miss him forever. God will bless him, hopefully God will bless his soul.”
Shooting Death of Corporal Husseini
A Harris County Precinct 4 corporal was fatally shot on Tuesday afternoon in southwest Houston while en route to work. The incident occurred at the intersection of Fondren Road and Richmond Avenue near the Westpark Tollway around 12:30 p.m.
After the shooting, the suspect’s vehicle was located at a nearby hotel, initiating a pursuit that ended in Galveston. The suspect eventually lost control of the vehicle and drove into the water near the causeway, where he was apprehended by officers.
He was subsequently taken to Galveston County Jail before being transferred to the Harris County Jail to face murder charges in connection with Corporal Husseini’s death.
Dozens of law enforcement officers paid their respects to Corporal Husseini by lining the streets near Ben Taub Hospital and escorting his body to the medical examiner’s office.
Local and State Leaders Respond
Gov. Greg Abbott
“The hearts of Texans are breaking today with the news that Harris County Deputy Constable Maher Husseini was shot and killed while on his way to work. The dangerous criminal who ambushed and murdered Deputy Constable Husseini will have the full weight of the law brought down upon him. Texas is a law and order state, and I will always defend the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect Texans. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the family and loved ones of Deputy Constable Husseini.”
Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo
“I am devastated by the loss of Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Maher Husseini, who was brutally shot and killed today while driving into work. Thank you to all of our law enforcement partners, including the Houston Police Department, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and Precinct 4, for working together to successfully bring the suspect into custody. I am so sorry for Deputy Constable Husseini’s family, his loved ones and his colleagues, who lost yet another member of their law enforcement family today.”
Houston Mayor John Whitmire
“The city of Houston extends its condolences to the family of Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Maher Husseini. The deadly shooting was a senseless and cruel act against an individual who happens to be a member of law enforcement. Deputy Husseini was on his way to work at the time that he was shot and killed. He represented the best in law enforcement and selflessly dedicated years of his life to protecting and serving the public. I have complete confidence in Houston Police Department Chief Noe Diaz, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 as they work to identify and arrest the shooter. We ask anyone with information to please call HPD Homicide or @CrimeStopHOU. It is in everyone’s best interest that we work together to make our community a safe place to live.”
Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey
“Today, we mourn the loss of yet another brave officer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Constable Maher Husseini, his family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in blue. May he rest in peace, and swift justice be served for those responsible.”
If you have any information about the shooting, you are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS(8477) or HPD’s Homicide Division at 713 308-3600.