Sixteen-year-old Lauren Juma who passed away tragically after her mother’s boyfriend shot and killed her following a failed rape attempt has secured justice.
In the heartbreaking case that captured widespread attention in 2022, 62-year-old Van Henry Brisbon has now been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of the teenager in Humble, Texas.
The ruling, delivered this week, brings closure to a tragic case that began on April 29, 2022, when Brisbon fatally shot Lauren during an attempted sexual assault.
The horrific chain of events unfolded after Lauren FaceTimed her mother and sister, expressing concern about Brisbon’s odd behavior while they were home alone.
Brisbon had entered Lauren’s bedroom at 1 a.m., causing her to feel uneasy. Alarmed by the call, Lauren’s sister rushed to the home while their mother, who was away for work, contacted authorities.
As Lauren’s sister and law enforcement arrived at the scene, they were met with Lauren’s cries for help, followed by gunshots.
Police found Brisbon exiting the home and arrested him. Inside, they discovered Lauren had been fatally shot, and there was evidence indicating that Brisbon had attempted to assault her.
Brisbon’s conviction was secured after a nine-day trial, during which the jury heard critical evidence, including body camera footage capturing Lauren’s screams and the sound of gunfire.
Prosecutors from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office condemned the crime as senseless and unfortunate.
“This defendant was a predator with a gun, and his choice to hurt a young girl and take her life was senseless and horrific,” Kim Ogg, Harris County District Attorney, said. “He not only took a promising young woman’s life, his actions have destroyed a family.”
Brisbon was convicted of capital murder and will spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance of parole, offering a measure of closure for Lauren’s grieving family.
This sad incident exemplifies the dangers of domestic violence and the need for vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals.
