LA MARQUE, Texas – An 18-year-old man accused of killing his mother appeared in court Thursday.
Keith Ray Smith Jr. is in custody at the Galveston County Jail. His bond has been set at $1 million.
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In his first appearance before a judge, Smith remained silent as his murder charge was read.
The shooting happened Tuesday night at a home in the 1200 block of Kirsten Street in La Marque.
Police said they responded to a disturbance at the home and learned a woman, identified as Seakara Carter, had been shot as they were en route.
She was transported to a hospital, but died from her injuries.
Law enforcement surrounded the home, believing Smith to be barricaded inside. However, when they entered the home, they discovered Smith was not inside.
On Wednesday, around 6 p.m., the Dickinson Police Department received a tip that someone had seen a man matching Smith’s description in the 3300 block of Hughes Lane. Dickinson officers were able to find the man and detained him until La Marque police arrived. La Marque officers arrived at the scene and confirmed the man who had been detained was Smith.
He was arrested and taken to the Galveston County Jail.
Speaking on Thursday, Cpl. Nicole Galindo, head public information officer for the La Marque Police Department, said multiple witnesses told officers that Smith shot his mother.
Galindo said Carter was found near the doorway of the house when officers arrived.
The investigation remains ongoing. Galindo encouraged anyone with any information to contact Det. Shores at La Marque PD, who is the lead investigator on the case, at 409-797-4862.