A man has been charged with the murder of Elizabeth Tamilore Odunsi, a 23-year-old British nursing student, who was fatally stabbed in her Houston apartment just days before she was set to graduate.
Houston Police have identified the suspect as Chester Lamar Grant, 40, the victim’s roommate. Grant was found critically injured with self-inflicted stab wounds, including one to the neck, after authorities were called to perform a welfare check on Saturday, April 26.
Officers discovered Odunsi’s body with multiple stab wounds inside the apartment, after observing blood on the patio.
Grant was hospitalized and remained in critical condition until his arrest on Friday, May 2. He has since been charged with murder and is being held at Harris County Jail on a $500,000.
A Dispute Over Cats Turns Deadly
According to investigators, the deadly attack stemmed from a dispute involving cats kept in the apartment. Police say Odunsi and Grant had only been living together for about two months when tensions reportedly escalated.
Following the alleged stabbing, Grant reportedly attempted to take his own life.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Known online as @tamidollars on TikTok, Odunsi had been sharing her journey as a British student nurse in the United States, amassing over 30,000 followers.
Her final video, posted just five days before her death, showed her joyfully dancing in anticipation of her upcoming graduation, captioned: “I’m readyyyyyyyyyyyyy 
.”
She was set to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and had made plans to travel during the summer to celebrate her achievement.
“She was full of light, ambition, and kindness,” read a statement on a GoFundMe campaign launched to help repatriate her body to the U.K. and cover funeral costs.
As of May 4, the fundraiser had surpassed its goal, raising more than $72,000. Supporters and friends have expressed grief over the tragic and senseless loss, remembering her as a young woman filled with compassion and determination.
“This is an unimaginable loss at a moment that should have marked the beginning of a bright and promising future,” the GoFundMe page added.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Grant appeared in court on Monday, May 5. The case has drawn international attention, particularly in the U.K., where Odunsi’s family and supporters are calling for justice and support during this devastating time.
The tragedy has also sparked renewed concerns about roommate safety, the mental health of cohabitants, and the importance of background checks when arranging shared housing, especially for international students navigating life in the U.S.
