A Beaumont shooting that left a young woman hospitalized has now turned into a murder case after she died from her injuries, prompting a new indictment against her boyfriend who initially claimed the shooting was accidental.
BEAUMONT, TX – A 44-year-old man is now facing a murder charge after his girlfriend, who was found shot in the head inside a closet at his home earlier this month, died from her injuries one day later, according to law enforcement officials. Brandon Chretien had initially been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon causing serious bodily injury following the June 6 shooting of 25-year-old Tammy Dawson.
Officers responded to a 2:40 a.m. call reporting a shooting at a residence on Heartfield Lane, where Dawson was discovered inside a closet suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in critical condition and later placed in a vegetative state before succumbing to her injuries the following day.
Victim found in closet with severe head injury
Investigators said Chretien called 911 and told dispatchers that he and Dawson had struggled over a firearm when it discharged. He claimed the shooting occurred during that struggle, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local media outlets.
Responding officers located the handgun on a bedside table inside the home. Authorities later determined that Dawson’s injury was not self-inflicted and said the evidence indicates she was shot by Chretien.
The couple had been in a relationship, police confirmed, though further details about the events leading up to the shooting have not been publicly released. Officers remained at the residence for several hours collecting evidence and documenting the scene. A small dog was also removed from the home by Beaumont Animal Care during the investigation.
Charge upgraded after victim’s death
Following Dawson’s death, a grand jury indicted Chretien on a charge of murder, escalating the case from the original aggravated assault count. He remains in custody at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility with bond set at $1 million.
During his initial court appearance, Magistrate Richard Hughes imposed conditions including GPS monitoring, a prohibition on possessing firearms or ammunition, and no contact with witnesses.
Dawson’s death has left family and friends mourning her loss. “She was the embodiment of love,” a friend told local television outlets. “That girl had so much to give.”
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors move forward with the murder case.
Beaumont Texas shooting, Brandon Chretien indictment, Tammy Dawson death, Jefferson County murder case, Heartfield Lane incident