On May 18, 2026, Maysie Murphy, 21, of Crosby, Texas, was shot and murdered inside a house on Adlong Johnson Road. After suspect Courtney Smith contacted the police and admitted to the crime, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the site. After suspect Courtney Smith phoned the police and admitted to the crime, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the site.
Murphy was found dead from gunshot wounds in the hallway of the residence, which she had been staying in temporarily while the homeowners were out of town. Investigators later confirmed that Smith, 55, was not related to Murphy despite initially claiming she had shot her granddaughter. Both women were living at the home at the time of the incident, and Smith was arrested and charged with murder.
Her father, Patrick Murphy, described her as “our little hippy,” someone who was loved by everyone she met and who brought joy and spontaneity to those around her. He said the world is “a darker place without her” and emphasized the deep hole her loss has left in the family.
Her mother, Rachael Novak, remembered her daughter as a blessing, a great sister to her siblings, and someone who lit up every room she entered. She described Maysie as genuine, kind, outgoing, and full of goals, noting that she loved working as a server at Cactus Jacks and cherished her family deeply.
Neighbors and friends echoed these sentiments, recalling her vibrant personality and unique style. They said she marched to the beat of her own drum, never afraid to be herself, and always willing to help others. Her sudden death has left the Crosby community mourning a young woman whose life was filled with promise.
Authorities revealed that hours before the shooting, Smith had called police claiming she was “seeing demons.” Deputies responded but determined there was not enough evidence to justify an emergency detention order. The following day, Smith allegedly confessed to deputies that she had killed Murphy, leading to her arrest and booking into the Harris County Jail, where she was denied bail.
Murphy’s family now faces the painful task of honoring her memory while grappling with the suddenness of her loss. They have asked that she be remembered not only for the tragedy of her death but for the love, joy, and authenticity she brought to everyone she encountered.
