Man shoots ex’s kids while scared children hide and make brave escapes from the apartment, police say.

Texas Apartment Shooting Incident Involving Children

Authorities report that a man with a gun confronted his former children, prompting them to make a daring escape during a terrifying episode in a Texas apartment.

Willie Simpson III, aged 32, was texting his ex-girlfriend, insisting that she allow him to enter his northwest Houston apartment. This occurred just before he encountered his sons, aged 19 and 16, on the building’s stairs last Sunday.

According to reports, Simpson lived with his children and their mother, but was reportedly not allowed into the home by his mother that day.

Initially appearing calm, Simpson later called the children’s mother, threatening to “kill the child” if he didn’t return home right away. Disturbingly, the son, already in a state of panic, reached out to 911 while hearing his father’s desperate demands. Records indicate that Simpson told his sons to go inside or he’d shoot them.

After securing the stairs, Simpson opened fire, injuring the older son in the abdomen, as per local news outlets.

Upon hearing the chaos, the brave brother jumped from their second-floor balcony to escape the shooting.

Meanwhile, their younger sisters, aged 13 and 12, were returning from a swim with friends. They had just changed in the bathroom when they heard gunfire. One sister went to check on things and quickly locked herself in the bathroom when she saw Simpson. She managed to hide in a closet, terrified.

During this time, frantic shots rang out, and the 13-year-old was unfortunate enough to witness Simpson shoot at her sister.

Emergency responders arrived and transported the 12-year-old girl to a hospital in serious condition. Reports indicate that the older brother underwent surgery to remove his spleen, but thankfully, both children are expected to survive.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that both injured children are likely to recover, stating it in a recent announcement.

Simpson was captured on Friday after a manhunt led by law enforcement.

He faces multiple charges, including three counts of aggravated assault on family members, robbery with intent to commit murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. His criminal history includes numerous charges for aggravated robbery and family violence dating back to 2013 and 2022.