Two People, One Transgender, Fatally Beaten And Shot In Midtown Last Night

Two people were fatally shot in Midtown late Sunday night, according to the Houston Police Department, and witnesses are telling police that they were severely beaten first, possibly with a crow bar or tire iron.

The victims have been identified as Willie Sims and Shante Thompson; they were found at the corner of Dennis and Fannin shortly after 11:20 p.m. Sunday. Thompson's mother told KHOU that Thompson was a transgender woman and had faced harassment in the past, but was not sure if that's why she was targeted.

No suspects have been taken into custody yet, but investigators told the Houston Chronicle that the shooter may have been an ex-partner of one of the victims, something they have yet to confirm. 

"It really hurts me because I have always looked out for Shante, been there for her and stuff," Thompson's friend Kevin Braxton told KHOU. "When I got the call and saw her laying in the ground, it really hurt me in my heart."

Investigators are still working the scene. We will update if and when they release more information.