A Texas woman accused of “seeing demons” before a deadly shooting is now facing a murder charge after authorities say she admitted to killing her 21-year-old roommate in Crosby, Texas. The tragic case continues to draw attention. Investigators revealed that the suspect had reportedly told law enforcement one day earlier that she was experiencing disturbing visions, but officials lacked grounds for an emergency detention.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, 55-year-old Courtney Smith was arrested after deputies responded to a shooting call on the 17800 block of Adlong Johnson Road in Crosby, an unincorporated community northeast of Houston.

Authorities Respond to Suspect Seeing Demons

Deputies arrived at the residence at approximately 3:48 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, authorities encountered Smith, who allegedly confessed to shooting two people inside the home.

Investigators later discovered 21-year-old Maysie Murphy dead inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities also searched for Murphy’s boyfriend, whom Smith allegedly claimed to have shot as well, but investigators were unable to locate a second victim.

Local outlet KHOU 11 News reported that Smith had contacted authorities the previous day, allegedly telling them she was “seeing demons.” However, deputies reportedly determined there was not enough evidence at that time to place her under an emergency mental health detention.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue working to determine what led to the fatal shooting.

Victim and Suspect Were Roommates

Authorities initially stated that Smith claimed Murphy was her granddaughter. However, investigators later confirmed that the two women were not biologically related.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office homicide division, Smith and Murphy were acquaintances who had both been staying temporarily at the home.

Investigators say the homeowners were out of town at the time of the shooting. Reports indicate the homeowners met Smith through social media and offered her a place to stay while she was struggling financially.

Officials have not publicly clarified how Murphy came to live at the residence or what may have triggered the violence.

 Maysie Murphy Shot by a Woman Seeing Demons

In statements provided to local media, Murphy’s family described the 21-year-old as compassionate, energetic, and deeply loved by those around her.

“Maysie was such a blessing to be around,” her mother, Rachael Novak, said in comments reported by ABC13 Houston. “She was such a great sister to her siblings and always there when someone needed her. She would light up any room she walked into.”

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Her father, Patrick Murphy, also spoke emotionally about his daughter, describing her as free-spirited and full of life.

“The world is definitely a darker place without her,” he said. “Taken from us so early.”

Patrick Murphy added that the family affectionately referred to Maysie as “our little hippy” because of her unique personality and unpredictable style.

“You could never tell what she was going to do or wear next,” he said.

Murder Charge: Shooting by a Woman Seeing Demons

Ed Gonzalez, the sheriff of Harris County, later confirmed on social media that Smith had been formally charged with murder.

In a public statement, Gonzalez said homicide detectives and crime scene investigators conducted an extensive investigation at the property before filing charges.

“Smith was charged with Murder for her involvement in the shooting death of Maysie Murphy,” Gonzalez wrote online.

Smith was subsequently booked into the Harris County Jail and is expected to return to court later this week.

Additional information regarding Murphy’s boyfriend and whether he was actually injured has not yet been released publicly.

Ongoing Investigation in Crosby, Texas

The case continues to raise questions surrounding mental health intervention procedures and what legal authority officers have when responding to reports involving hallucinations or erratic behavior.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at (713) 221-6000 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Houston.

As the investigation unfolds, Murphy’s family says they are focused on remembering the young woman whose life was tragically cut short.