Sharon Griffin : Jacoby Pendleton Charged with Murder in Fatal Collision

HPD Charges Jacoby Pendleton with Murder in Fatal Collision Following Police Pursuit

The Houston Police Department (HPD) has officially charged Jacoby Pendleton, a 23-year-old individual, with murder in connection with a tragic collision that took place at the end of a police pursuit on Monday, January 9, 2023. According to HPD Lieutenant John Cannon, the incident unfolded when a police officer attempted to pull over Pendleton’s vehicle for a traffic violation. However, Pendleton chose not to stop and instead led the officer on a high-speed chase. The pursuit ultimately came to a devastating end when Pendleton’s vehicle collided with a car driven by 58-year-old Sharon Griffin at the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Dowling Street. Griffin sadly lost her life at the scene, while Pendleton sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently charged with murder and evading arrest by the authorities. HPD Chief Troy Finner expressed his condolences, stating, “This is a tragic loss of life that could have been prevented. We are dedicated to ensuring accountability for those who endanger the lives of our citizens.” Investigators suspect that Pendleton was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, with pending blood test results. The family of Sharon Griffin has been left devastated and outraged by the events. “Our hearts are broken,” said Griffin’s sister, Patricia Johnson. “We cannot comprehend how someone could act so recklessly and callously.” Pendleton is currently in custody at the Harris County Jail, with no bond set as of now. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be brought forward.

Houston Woman Fatally Struck in Police Pursuit

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Authorities are still searching for the individual responsible for fatally striking a 68-year-old woman during a police chase in southeast Houston. Court documents have identified the victim as Sharon Griffin, as confirmed by her daughter in an interview with ABC13. The mother and daughter shared a close bond and lived together. Jacolby Pendleton, aged 30, has been charged with murder by the Houston police in relation to the tragic crash that occurred on Thursday night. Pendleton is also one of seven suspects recently taken into custody in connection with shootings in southeast Houston.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy

The series of events commenced when officers spotted a known criminal suspect with outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, involvement in organised crime, and possession of controlled substances. At around 8:20 p.m., officers tried to stop the suspect, who refused to comply, prompting a pursuit near the I-610 South Loop interchange with SH-288. Throughout the chase, the suspect reportedly disregarded traffic signals and signs, including driving on the wrong side of the road.

Heartbreaking Incident

Griffin’s daughter expressed her distress to ABC13 regarding the continuation of the police pursuit into a residential area. The chase concluded when the suspect crashed into a dumpster near Rebecca Street and Tierwester before fleeing on foot. Subsequently, officers discovered that Griffin had been struck by the suspect’s vehicle during the incident. Despite efforts to revive Griffin with CPR and emergency medical help, she was declared deceased at the scene.

Continuing Investigation