The family of a woman allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend last week in Houston, Texas, is questioning why authorities didn’t intervene sooner, despite numerous police calls and a protection order.
On January 17, Houston police reported that Algie Washington, 46, shot and killed Jaynice Ferguson, 23, at her apartment in the 3400 block of Dunvale.
Ferguson’s family alleges that Washington had stalked and harassed her for three years following their breakup, despite repeated calls to law enforcement.
“If they had taken it seriously during the times he put her in the hospital, when she filed charges, when she obtained a restraining order, perhaps things would have been different,” remarked Bridgette Pipkin, Ferguson’s sister.
“Now I can’t see her anymore. I can’t embrace her anymore,” lamented John Colton Williams, Ferguson’s father.
According to Pipkin, Ferguson and Washington started dating in 2020 but ended their relationship the same year. However, Pipkin claimed Washington persisted despite Ferguson’s objections.
“He would use a brick with a rubber band and a letter, smashing her windows,” she recounted.
Following a 2021 assault, Ferguson secured a protection order, but another assault charge followed in 2022. Court records indicate that Washington allegedly attempted to strangle Ferguson that year.
Authorities confirm they received two calls about slashed tires, one as recent as New Year’s Day, and the family alleges it occurred more frequently.
“We exhausted all options, so it’s almost as if, as civilians, if we had taken matters into our own hands, maybe my sister would still be with us,” Pipkin lamented.
Washington is currently held on a $1 million bond, and Ferguson’s family hopes he remains incarcerated.
“If he’s released from jail, I know he’ll do it again. This is his passion. He’s passionate about it,” expressed Elise Williams, Ferguson’s sister.
“You took something from me that I never imagined would be gone,” Colton Williams said, addressing Washington.
