Texas Mom Charged with Murder After Shooting Daughter Over Stolen Drink

Authorities say Shanika Battle killed her 28-year-old daughter Tabatha Jones during an argument about alcohol.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 12:23am

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A 49-year-old Texas woman named Shanika Battle has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing her 28-year-old daughter Tabatha Jones during an argument over alcohol. According to police, Battle claimed Jones was "upset" that Battle had taken some of her alcohol, leading to a verbal dispute that escalated when Battle retrieved a .380-caliber pistol from her purse, allegedly intending to "scare" her daughter. Battle denied shooting Jones, but police found a bullet casing matching the gun near where Jones was found with a gunshot wound to her side. Jones died at the hospital about an hour after the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of domestic disputes involving firearms, especially when alcohol is a factor. It also raises questions about access to guns in homes with family members who may be experiencing mental health issues or conflicts. The case will likely prompt discussions around gun safety, de-escalation tactics, and support services for families dealing with domestic violence.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, police responded to a shooting call at a home in Dallas on February 2nd. They found Tabatha Jones with a gunshot wound to her side, and she alleged that her mother Shanika Battle had shot her. Jones died about an hour later at a nearby hospital. Police obtained a search warrant and found a .380-caliber pistol in the living room next to Battle's purse, as well as a matching bullet casing near Jones' room. During questioning, Battle claimed the gun was hers and that she had gotten it out of her purse to "scare" Jones, but she denied actually shooting her daughter.

  • On February 2, 2026, police responded to a shooting call at around 3:55 p.m. local time.
  • Tabatha Jones died about an hour after the shooting incident.

The players

Shanika Battle

A 49-year-old Texas woman who has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting and killing her 28-year-old daughter Tabatha Jones.

Tabatha Jones

A 28-year-old Texas woman who was shot and killed by her mother Shanika Battle during an argument over alcohol.

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What they’re saying

“Battle denied shooting her daughter, per the affidavit.”

— Shanika Battle (People.com)

What’s next

Battle is currently in custody and no bail has been set. The case will likely proceed to trial, where a judge will determine if the shooting was justified or if Battle will face a murder conviction.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for better access to mental health resources and conflict resolution support for families, as well as stricter gun safety measures to prevent domestic violence situations from escalating to deadly force.