A Texas resident, Van Henry Brisbon, 62, was handed a life sentence without parole on Thursday for the murder of his then-girlfriend’s 16-year-old daughter, Lauren Juma, following an attempted rape. The incident, which occurred in late April 2022, has left the victim’s family in shock and grief.
Brisbon’s actions on the night of the crime were reportedly unusual, causing Lauren to become anxious. She reached out to her mother and sister via FaceTime from their home in Humble, a city in the Houston area. Her mother, Laurie Young, was away for work at the time, prompting Lauren’s older sister to respond to the distress call.
Lauren’s sister, Keryca Harmon, recalled the incident in 2022, stating that Lauren had expressed a desire to leave the house due to Brisbon’s strange behavior. However, upon her arrival, Harmon discovered that Brisbon was holding Lauren hostage at gunpoint.
According to a recent press statement from the prosecution, Harris County deputies arrived at the scene after receiving reports of gunshots from inside the house. Brisbon, who had stepped outside, reportedly told the arresting officers to “do what you have to do.” Inside the house, Lauren was found dead, killed by a 9mm handgun. Investigators later found evidence suggesting that Brisbon had attempted to rape her.
Following a nine-day trial, the jury found Brisbon guilty of capital murder. Assistant District Attorney Katie Warren, who prosecuted the case alongside ADA Gina Gilmore, expressed gratitude to the jurors for their service and verdict. She noted that the jury had to endure listening to bodycam recordings of Lauren’s screams and cries for help, followed by gunshots.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg described Brisbon as a “predator with a gun,” whose actions were “senseless and horrific.” She added that Brisbon’s actions not only ended a promising young life but also shattered a family.