Gregory Carhee, Donyavia Lagway, Harmony Carhee, and the 10-Year-Old Survivor: A Detailed Account of the 2021 Houston Family Murders and the Pursuit of Justice
On June 30, 2021, a tragic and brutal crime unfolded in southwest Houston, Texas, resulting in the deaths of Gregory Carhee, 35; Donyavia Lagway, 29; and their 6-year-old daughter, Harmony Carhee. The couple’s 10-year-old daughter survived the ordeal by playing dead after being shot, later protecting her 2-year-old brother and calling for help. The perpetrator, Xavier Davis, was sentenced to death for the murders, and Alexus Williams, accused of orchestrating the killings, faces charges including capital murder.
The Victims
- Gregory Carhee: A 35-year-old father, Gregory was a dedicated family man who worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones.
- Donyavia Lagway: At 29, Donyavia was a mother of four, including a child she was pregnant with at the time of her death. She had recently ended a relationship with Alexus Williams, which investigators believe may have been a motive for the crime.
- Harmony Carhee: The 6-year-old daughter, Harmony, was tragically killed in the attack, her life cut short in an act of senseless violence.
- 10-Year-Old Survivor: The 10-year-old daughter, whose name has not been publicly released, survived the massacre by playing dead after being shot. She later protected her baby brother and called for help, displaying remarkable courage and resilience.
The Crime
On the night of June 30, 2021, Xavier Davis forcibly entered the Carhee family’s apartment in the 12100 block of Fondren Road. He shot and killed Gregory Carhee, Donyavia Lagway, and their 6-year-old daughter, Harmony. The 10-year-old daughter was also shot but survived by playing dead. Davis then ransacked the apartment, stealing valuables, and allegedly made a video call to Alexus Williams during the incident. The surviving child later protected her 2-year-old brother and called for help once Davis left the apartment.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the murders, Houston police initiated an extensive investigation. Davis was arrested shortly after the crime and charged with three counts of capital murder and a single count of aggravated assault. He also faced a count of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon for allegedly stealing a man’s car at gunpoint just before the murders.
Investigators later arrested Alexus Williams in March 2022. She is charged with three counts of capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors allege that Williams, who had a prior dating relationship with Lagway, arranged the robbery and that Davis was the shooter. Williams and Davis had been friends since childhood.
Legal Proceedings
In the aftermath of the crime, Davis pleaded guilty to the murders. Despite his guilty plea, the trial proceeded with the prosecution seeking the death penalty and the defense aiming for a life sentence without parole. Prosecutors presented Davis as a calculated criminal driven by monetary gain, while the defense argued that Davis was a product of a difficult upbringing marked by intergenerational trauma and poverty. The jury unanimously agreed that Davis posed a continuing threat to society and found no mitigating factors to spare him from the death penalty.
Alexus Williams’ trial is set to begin later this year. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held on a $2 million bail.
Community Impact and Support
The community has rallied around the surviving children, offering support and assistance. Motorcycle clubs have hosted dinners for the children, and benefit events have been organized to provide for their needs. The surviving 10-year-old girl has been hailed as a hero for her bravery and quick thinking during the harrowing ordeal.
Conclusion
The murders of Gregory Carhee, Donyavia Lagway, and Harmony Carhee, and the survival of their 10-year-old daughter, have left an indelible mark on the Houston community. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and ensuring the safety and well-being of the surviving children.
