HOUSTON, Texas — A man has been charged with capital murder after the body of a pregnant Houston woman was discovered, leading to a nationwide search for the suspect. Kevin Faux, 24, was apprehended in Louisiana following the investigation into the death of Ashanti Allen, 23, who was eight months pregnant at the time of her disappearance in April.
Allen’s family reported her missing on April 10 after receiving a troubling text message from her phone indicating she was leaving and would not return. Family members expressed concern that the message did not sound like her. Investigators later analyzed surveillance footage from Allen’s apartment complex, revealing that she had left with Faux shortly before her disappearance. Her vehicle was seen leaving the parking garage with Faux supposedly driving.
Authorities transitioned the case from a missing persons investigation to a homicide inquiry when search teams uncovered Allen’s body on April 16 at a southwest Houston location. Investigators, collaborating with Texas EquuSearch, found her remains with visible signs of trauma. The cause of death was pending an autopsy, but police confirmed that evidence linked Faux to the crime.
Witnesses reported that Faux made a frantic FaceTime call in the early hours of April 10, claiming he had killed someone. Additional communication from him on the same morning raised alarms, coinciding with the text message sent from Allen’s phone to her mother. Family members noticed that Allen’s belongings were missing, which heightened their concerns and compelled them to search for her.
As the investigation progressed, detectives followed leads that led them to Faux’s whereabouts. On April 12, following his disappearance, he was seen in Louisiana where he allegedly misled a woman into believing he was uninvolved in Allen’s case. Reports indicate he later used Allen’s debit card, further implicating him in her death. Authorities located him thanks to a tip that ultimately resulted in his arrest on April 20.
Faux’s history with law enforcement includes prior assault-related charges, raising questions about how he was free prior to Allen’s death. Family members disclosed they were unaware of his criminal background until after Allen vanished. This has intensified their grief and frustration, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Allen’s imminent motherhood. She had been excited about her impending role as a mother and had been making preparations for the baby’s arrival just days before her disappearance.
Following his arrest, Faux was held in Louisiana while awaiting extradition to Harris County, Texas, where he faces serious charges. Prosecutors are expected to pursue continued detention as they prepare for proceedings in the 228th Criminal District Court. The case remains under active investigation, with Houston police continuing to gather evidence and details surrounding the tragic events.
The community has rallied around Allen’s family, offering support during this difficult time. Volunteers and loved ones participated in extensive search efforts prior to discovering her remains, highlighting the collective grief and determination to find answers. Relatives are left grappling with their loss, mourning both the mother-to-be and the unborn child, identified as Jaxon. The family is now focused on seeking justice for Ashanti Allen as they navigate their profound sorrow.