Marlon Sanders was remembered as a Port Arthur educator, coach and musician.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A 38-year-old man was charged with murder after authorities said he shot his former girlfriend’s husband during a late-night child custody exchange in northeast Harris County.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Marlon Sanders, 36, a music teacher at Adams Elementary School in Port Arthur ISD. Investigators identified the suspect as Gary Davis, who was arrested after the shooting in the 12700 block of Blue Timbers Court.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Sanders and his wife went to Davis’ home shortly after midnight Tuesday to pick up a baby. Investigators said the child was born during a prior relationship between Davis and Sanders’ wife. Authorities said Davis rushed outside and shot Sanders while Sanders stood near his vehicle in the roadway.
Deputies said Sanders was taken to a hospital and later died. Officials said no one else was injured. Harris County homicide detectives took over the investigation, while Precinct 3 constable’s deputies were among the first law enforcement officers to respond.
Neighbors described a brief, chaotic scene before the shooting. Amber Howard said she heard a woman yelling for Davis to give her the baby, then heard two shots. She said the woman later shouted that her husband had been shot and tried to save him.
Investigators said records showed Sanders and his wife had separated three years earlier, before she had a relationship with Davis. Sanders and his wife later reconciled after the baby was born, according to records described by authorities.
Port Arthur ISD issued a tribute to Sanders, calling him a beloved music teacher, Titans football and basketball coach, singer, DJ and musician. The district said his influence reached students, athletes, colleagues and people who knew his work in the community.
Davis was booked into the Harris County Jail on a murder charge. Authorities did not report any other arrests. Detectives continued to review the scene, witness statements and the events that led to the shooting.
The case remained active Wednesday, with Davis facing court proceedings in Harris County. Officials had not released a full charging document timeline by the latest update.
Author note: Last updated May 28, 2026.