A man who claimed self-defense in a shooting that left a maintenance worker dead has now been charged with murder.
Brandon Landers, 34, has been charged with murder in the shooting death of 43-year-old Michael Ford.
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What happened
On July 7, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Harris County deputies responded to a shooting at an apartment complex located in the 12620 block of the Eastex Freeway.
Deputies found Ford—identified as a maintenance worker for the complex—suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Landers was quickly detained at the scene and told investigators that Ford had assaulted him and that he shot him in self-defense.
According to court records, Landers was being evicted from the complex. While he was packing, Ford reportedly exchanged words with him and pushed him against a wall. Landers said he then pulled out a gun and shot him.
Court records also revealed that Ford and Landers had previous conflicts involving a woman who also lived in the complex. Investigators discovered evidence that Landers had made premeditated comments suggesting someone would eventually kill Ford.
The firearm used in the shooting was reported stolen on March 2, 2024, according to records.
Medical examiner records show Ford was shot at least 10 times from a distance—contradicting Landers’ claims of self-defense, according to homicide detectives.
The preliminary case was initially presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which declined to file charges. However, the case was later brought before a Harris County grand jury, which returned an indictment for murder.
Anyone with information about the incident or prior interactions between the shooter and the victim is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.