Aveyia Webb, a 27-year-old hairstylist preparing for pharmacy school, was found dead Thursday inside her west Houston apartment.
HOUSTON, Texas — Aveyia Webb was building a career as a hairstylist and preparing to begin pharmacy school when relatives found her dead inside her west Houston apartment, leaving her family grieving as her younger sister and another defendant face capital murder charges.
Webb, 27, was found Thursday morning at her apartment in the 8100 block of Richmond Avenue. Relatives became worried when they could not reach her, something they said was unusual. Her aunt, Beverly Hobbs, went to the apartment, knocked without receiving an answer and entered before finding Webb dead on a couch, according to the family’s account to KTRK.
Webb’s younger sister, 20-year-old Alaya Jones, and Jones’ partner, Kaleb Maglott, were arrested Thursday and charged with capital murder, according to court records cited by the station. The records accuse them of robbing and killing Webb inside the apartment. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the available reporting does not show that either defendant has entered a plea.
For Webb’s relatives and friends, the criminal case has unfolded alongside the loss of a woman they said was preparing for a new stage in her life. Rosie Hart, described as one of Webb’s close friends and the sister of Webb’s boyfriend, said Webb was a positive presence among the people who knew her. Hart said Webb worked as a hairstylist and was getting ready to start pharmacy school.
Family members said Webb’s personality stood out as much as her professional plans. They remembered her as energetic and optimistic, with a fondness for good food and a strong connection to the people around her. Hobbs described her niece as someone who appeared ready to move forward with ambitious plans before her death abruptly ended them.
The circumstances alleged by investigators have deepened the family’s grief. Court records cited in local reporting accuse Jones and Maglott of killing Webb during a robbery. Relatives said Webb’s vehicle and wallet were taken. Family members also said Jones had been living in Florida and had previously told relatives she intended to return to Houston.
Webb’s aunt Edie Smith-Anderson told KTRK that relatives learned investigators had found text messages on Jones’ phone that they believe showed the killing had been discussed beforehand. Smith-Anderson said the messages referred to traveling to Houston and taking Webb’s possessions. The full messages and complete investigative record have not been made public in the reporting reviewed, leaving significant details of the prosecution’s case unresolved.
The family said the allegation that Webb’s own sister was involved has been particularly difficult to comprehend. Relatives said they had viewed the relationship as one in which Webb would have helped her younger sister rather than feared her. Their comments focused on the contrast between the accusations now before the court and the future they believed Webb was preparing to pursue.
Jones and Maglott face capital murder charges as the criminal case moves forward. Publicly available reporting had not confirmed additional court dates, defense attorneys, pleas or a complete account from investigators as of Monday. Webb’s relatives, meanwhile, continued to remember her for the career and education plans they said were just beginning to take shape.
Author note: Last updated October 5, 2026.