Man charged with murder after woman shot dead

A man was charged with murder Friday in connection with a fatal shooting Thursday at a northwest Harris County apartment complex.

James Hickam, 58, is accused of shooting and killing Krystle Watson, according to court records.

Watson appears to have been a bystander caught in the crossfire, as Hickam allegedly aimed a gun at his wife.

Deputies believe Hickam and his wife were arguing earlier that day for several hours, said Thomas Gilliland, a Harris County Sheriff ’s Office deputy.

About 2:30 p.m., she left their apartment in the Windfern Meadows complex, in the 12900 block of Windfern.

Hickam is believed to have followed his wife outside and trailed her to her car, which was next to Watson’s. Watson had just pulled up to the complex with her 2-year-old son.

This put Watson — and her baby — between Hickam and his wife.

Hickam is accused of firing at least one shot toward his wife as she got into her car. A shot apparently went through Watson’s car before striking Hickam’s wife, Gilliland said.

Watson, who was in her 20s, was killed. Her toddler, who was in the car during the gunfire, was not injured, Gilliland said.

Hickam’s wife also was hit and sustained massive trauma. She was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Hickam had not been charged Friday morning in connection with his wife’s injuries.

Hickam appears to have one prior criminal conviction in Harris County. In 2004, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a family member the previous year.