RafaelHCDAO

Justice for this child survivor—whose identity the HCDAO protects. She told a jury she was only 10 when this defendant started sexually abusing her. Willie Washington has been found guilty of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child and sentenced to life in prison. The girl testified how Washington told her: they’d get in trouble and that would “break her mother’s heart” if the girl told anyone about what was happening. HCDAO prosecutors Nevin Day and Mikeala Morris showed the jury how Washington’s grooming and emotional coercion perpetuated the abuse. “Speak up for yourself, even when no one else does,” this child survivor chose to paint on her sign.  It hangs among the other children's handprints who bravely shared their stories. You are loved. You matter. You have a voice.   #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #NationalChildAbuseAwarenessMonth

In remembrance of @tcdps Trooper James Burns who was shot and killed in the line of duty. #forthefallen #TDPS

“Healing by finding beauty in the broken.” Two brave girls told a jury last week how Jamie Martinez sexually abused them for years while growing up. Martinez was found guilty of Continuous Sex Assault of a Child and sentenced to life in prison. After sharing their stories, those girls pressed their hands in paint and made their mark along our survivor wall. What happened to them does not define them. That’s the message they paint. That’s what they now know: “The handprint reflects the therapeutic power of finding hope, value, and beauty in the midst of desolation and trauma.” May there be healing and resilience for all children who find themselves in this criminal justice world.

HCDAO Statement on death of high profile Capital Murder Defendant:

In remembrance of @houstonpolice Detective Daryl Wayne Shirley who was killed in the line of duty when he was fatally shot while serving an arrest warrant. #forthefallen #Houston #HPD

Today we remember @pasadenaPDTX Officer Larry Candelari who was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle as he was attempting to help victims of a nighttime traffic accident. #forthefallen #padadena #PPD

TODAY @ 3PM (doors open) ➡️ navigating the criminal justice system. Part of honoring our crime survivors during #NationalVictimsRightsWeek. The criminal justice process can be confusing. We know. Every case different. Every crime survivor deserves respect and answers. Come ask our prosecutors, victim advocates, and investigators your questions TODAY. DA @SeanTeareHCDAO kicks off the conversation at 3:30 at @UnitedWay.

In remembrance of @HCSOtexas Deputy John Coddou who was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle during a crash investigation. #forthefallen #harriscounty #hcso

Illegal dumping hurts our neighborhoods and puts public safety at risk. The good news: we’re making it easier to do the right thing. Have an old mattress you need gone? On May 9, we are partnering with the @furniturebank for our first-ever Free Mattress Dump Day. If you live in Harris County, you can drop off your old or unwanted mattresses FOR FREE. No catch. No hassle. Just a cleaner community. Bring your mattresses to 8220 Mosley Road between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Let’s keep Harris County clean, together.

UPDATE: Today, a Harris County grand jury returned an indictment charging Floyd William Parrott with Capital Murder in the 1990 Lovers’ Lane killings of Cheryl Henry and Garland “Andy” Atkinson. One month ago, Parrott was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska. Days after that, we asked you: do you recognize this man? He was believed to be in the Houston area during the late ‘80s/ early ‘90s. Do you recognize the car in the photos provided by @houstonpolice? Take a good look. If you do, contact the HCDAO Cold Case Division. Out of respect for the victims and the integrity of the process, we will not comment further on this pending investigation. Our priority is securing justice for Cheryl and Andy and protecting the rights of all involved. During #NationalCrimeVictimsRightsWeek (April 19–25, 2026), we honor families that have lost loved ones and have waited years for someone to be held accountable. Time won’t erase their names.

In remembrance of Damon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Hugh Ferguson who was killed in the line of duty. #forthefallen

Today we remember @houstonpolice Officer Jose A. Zamarron who was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a drunk driver. #forthefallen #Houston #HPD

Thrilled to see someone working hard to fight gun violence as County Attorney. Abbie will be a vital partner in our work to protect public safety and the rights of Harris County residents.

Justice Forward @JusticeFwdTX does impactful work across 20+ treatment courts in the greater Houston area - supporting people committed to rebuilding, recovering, and reconnecting.

Data: Harris County's jail population continues to safely decline.

In remembrance of @houstonpolice Sergeant Bruno D. Soboleski who was killed in the line of duty when he succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained five days earlier during a narcotics investigation. #Forthefallen #Houston #HPD

Today we remember @houstonfire Captain James Harlow who was killed in the line of duty. #Forthefallen #houston #HFD

"Already, District Attorney Sean Teare has reported losing key witnesses to deportation or fear in the past year, torpedoing nearly a dozen criminal cases, including sexual assault of children."

In remembrance of @houstonpolice Officer James F. Kilty who was shot and killed in the line of duty. #Forthefallen #Houston #HPD