Houston, TX – A terrifying scene unfolded at a Houston apartment complex last week when a 32-year-old man allegedly opened fire on his ex-girlfriend’s four children, critically injuring two and sending one child into hiding to survive the attack.
Violent Encounter at Timber Creek Apartments
According to court documents, Willie Simpson III arrived at the Timber Creek apartment complex on July 27 and encountered the two teenage sons of his former girlfriend. After learning she wasn’t home, Simpson allegedly called her and threatened to kill her children if she didn’t return.
“He told her directly that he would shoot her kids,” police wrote in the criminal complaint.
When the call ended, Simpson reportedly warned the 16- and 19-year-old boys to return to their apartment or face violence. As the boys attempted to flee, Simpson allegedly opened fire, striking the 19-year-old in the abdomen. The injured teen didn’t realize he had been shot until he was back inside the apartment.
The two brothers fled out to the second-floor balcony and jumped to escape the gunfire.
Younger Sisters Caught in the Chaos
Inside the apartment were two younger sisters, aged 13 and 12, who had just returned from the pool. They noticed Simpson near their apartment with a gun in his waistband. The girls entered the apartment to change clothes just as the shooting began.
Moments later, Simpson allegedly confronted the 13-year-old girl, pointing a gun at her. She quickly ran into a closet and hid beneath a pile of clothes. According to her statement, Simpson even looked inside the closet but didn’t see her.
While still hiding, she said she heard more gunshots inside the home.
Police soon arrived and discovered the 12-year-old girl wounded in the bathroom, also shot in the abdomen. Both the 19-year-old brother and 12-year-old sister were transported to the hospital in critical condition but are expected to survive. Authorities say the older boy had to undergo emergency surgery to remove his spleen.
Threats, Texts, and a Dangerous Ultimatum
The children’s mother told police that she and Simpson had previously been in a relationship but had since separated. On the day of the attack, she said Simpson had sent her multiple texts, asking to return to the apartment he once shared with her and the children.
She refused. That’s when, she says, the threats began.
“He demanded she come back or else he would kill the kids,” stated the police report.
Shortly after their call ended, she called one of her sons—only to hear him running in fear on the other end of the line.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Simpson was arrested on Friday and now faces several felony charges, including:
- Three counts of aggravated assault of a family member
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Burglary with intent to commit murder
His bond was set at $1,465,000, and he remains in custody at the Harris County Jail. He is expected to appear in court again on Thursday.
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