Houston federal jury convicts two in deadly Third Ward shooting

A federal jury convicted two Houston defendants Monday, August 3, in a retaliatory 2017 Third Ward shooting that killed an uninvolved 53-year-old resident, while the person prosecutors identified as the intended target survived.

Shaquille Richards, 32, and Alexandra Nicks, 32, were found guilty of using a firearm to kill during a racketeering murder and of murder in aid of racketeering, according to KPRC 2.

What happened in Third Ward

The shooting occurred October 16, 2017, in Houston’s Third Ward. Prosecutors said Richards and Nicks led the 103 street gang and ordered members to carry out a retaliatory attack in territory associated with the rival Young Scott Block gang.

The intended target was struck but survived. Gunfire also hit a 53-year-old man who was not involved in the gang conflict and was standing in the front yard of a nearby home. He later died from his injuries.

The Justice Department’s March 2023 indictment announcement alleged that Richards and Nicks ordered 103 gang members to shoot rival gang members. Those were allegations in the earlier charging document; the August 3 federal verdict established Richards’ and Nicks’ guilt on the charges decided at trial.

Four co-defendants pleaded guilty

The four men identified by prosecutors as the gunmen—Deandre Watson, Mertroy Harris, Marcus Christopher and Marquis Erskin—previously pleaded guilty in the case.

They are scheduled to be sentenced on September 2, 2026. KPRC 2 reported that each faces up to life in prison.

Sentencing remains ahead

Richards and Nicks have not yet been sentenced. KPRC 2 reported that U.S. District Judge George Hanks will sentence them at a later date.

The investigation involved the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Police Department, with assistance from the Texas Anti-Gang Center. KPRC 2 also identified the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as part of the investigative effort. The federal case remains active, with the four guilty-plea defendants’ sentencing and sentencing for Richards and Nicks still pending.

Sources

• KPRC 2 report on the federal convictions and upcoming sentencing
• U.S. Attorney's Office indictment announcement