Heartbreak in Houston: Michael Ellis Accused of Killing Girlfriend Lazette King, Then Sending Chilling Photo to Family
HOUSTON, TX — June 20, 2025 — A quiet evening turned into a nightmare in southeast Houston after a woman was found brutally shot to death inside her apartment — and the man accused of killing her allegedly sent a haunting photograph of her body to a family member.
The Houston Police Department has charged 48-year-old Michael Ellis with murder in connection to the shocking death of Lazette King, a woman described by those who knew her as kind-hearted and full of life.
According to authorities, the disturbing chain of events began around 9 p.m. Tuesday night, when officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex in the southeast part of the city. The initial call indicated a man may have been shot in the parking lot, but when officers arrived, they found no one at the scene.
Then, just an hour later, police received a chilling 911 call. A woman reported receiving a photo from a family member — the image showed a woman who appeared to have been shot multiple times and left to die. The photo was traced back to a nearby apartment unit.
SWAT teams were immediately dispatched. Officers forced entry into the residence and found a horrifying scene: Lazette King, already deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. The apartment was eerily quiet. The suspect, Michael Ellis — identified as Lazette’s boyfriend — was gone.
Investigators say Ellis fled the scene after the murder. A citywide manhunt ensued, and around 3 a.m. Wednesday, officers located and arrested him in the Willowbrook area, about 20 miles away from the crime scene. He was taken into custody without incident and is now being held in the Harris County Jail on a charge of murder.
The motive behind the killing remains under investigation, but detectives say the couple had a history of domestic conflict. No protective orders were currently active, though police are reviewing previous calls for service to the residence.
“This is a devastating loss for the family and a shocking act of violence,” said HPD spokesperson Lt. Michael Barrett. “We are working tirelessly to ensure justice is served. No one should ever have to receive a photo like that of someone they love.”
Family members of Lazette King are reeling from the tragedy. They say Lazette was a devoted mother, a caring friend, and someone who had so much more life to live.
“She was trying to find peace in her life, and she didn’t deserve to die like this,” said one relative, who asked not to be named. “We can’t even process the horror of what he did — and to send that photo? That’s evil.”
Neighbors at the complex expressed their disbelief and sorrow. Many remembered Lazette as friendly, soft-spoken, and kind.
“She always waved to people, always smiled,” one neighbor said. “We never imagined something like this would happen here.”
Authorities recovered a weapon near Ellis at the time of his arrest and are conducting forensic tests to confirm whether it was used in the killing. Police are also analyzing the phone that was used to send the photo and gathering surveillance footage from the area for additional evidence.
Ellis is currently being held without bond. His first court appearance is expected early next week.
In the wake of the tragedy, Houston officials are once again urging anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek help. Resources are available around the clock, including through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
As friends and family prepare to lay Lazette King to rest, the city is left to grapple with another life lost — and the painful reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic violence.