Houston mother's murder case shifts focus to boyfriend, charges expected

Houston crime: Murder case of Houston mother focusing to victim's boyfriend

A major development in a case of a young mother shot and killed during her child's birthday party. Murder charges against the man accused in Jalen Whitlock's death are expected to be dropped.

HOUSTON - Murder charges against a man originally accused in the shooting death of 25-year-old Jalen Whitlock are expected to be dismissed this week, as prosecutors shift their focus to a new potential suspect: the victim’s boyfriend.

What happened to Jalen Whitlock?

Whitlock was killed on Sept. 12, 2024, during a birthday party at her Houston home on Locksley Road. According to family members and court records, an argument broke out between Whitlock and her ex-boyfriend, Jalin Foreman, who had arrived at the party to drop off gifts for their child. The confrontation, which took place in front of the children, ended in gunfire. Whitlock was pregnant at the time that she was killed.

Five days later, Foreman turned himself in to the authorities. He was charged with murder and held on a $1 million bond.

New Developments

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office now confirms with FOX 26 that murder charges against Foreman are expected to be dropped. Instead, Foreman is now facing two new charges: deadly conduct and tampering with evidence.

Whitlock’s boyfriend at the time of the shooting, Devin Webber, is expected to appear in court soon to face charges connected to the case. Webber was already in custody in Fort Bend County on unrelated charges, including evading arrest and attempted theft of an ATM, according to court documents.

Angela Whitlock, the victim’s grandmother, told FOX 26 that she was informed by prosecutors the fatal shot came from Webber’s weapon — but she still holds Foreman responsible for her granddaughter’s death.

"Had he (Foreman) followed the request and the directive of taking the birthday gifts to his mother's house and not coming to my granddaughter's house, I believe that my granddaughter would still be alive," Angela Whitlock said. "Devin shot back. …it doesn't change the fact that my granddaughter is dead."

Custody battle looms 

The family is now also facing a custody battle over the two children left behind. 

She added that the uncertainty has only deepened now that Foreman's charges do not include murder. 

What happens now?

More discussions on this case are expected during Foreman’s court appearance Wednesday in Harris County.