Deontray Flanagan: Houston Father Convicted of Capital Murder After He Strangled His Daughter On FaceTime



Deontray Flanagan has been convicted of capital murder for the horrific death of his 2-year-old daughter, Zevaya Flanagan. 

Jurors in Harris County, Texas, returned the guilty verdict late Friday after just a few hours of deliberation. 

According to KHOU, The sentencing phase is next, where criminal prosecutors are expected to argue for the harshest penalties.  

Zevaya Flanagan

The Crime That Shook Houston

On March 19, 2023, a routine morning at a Houston daycare turned into the beginning of a tragic series of events. 

Deontray Flanagan, 25, arrived to pick up his 2-year-old daughter, Zevaya Flanagan, claiming he was taking her for a visit. 

From the daycare, Flanagan drove straight to a nearby Walmart, where Zevaya’s mother, Kairsten Watson, worked. 

Inside the store, Flanagan confronted Watson, accusing her of being involved with another man. 

The argument quickly escalated into physical violence as Flanagan struck Watson multiple times in the face, leaving her visibly injured and bleeding.

After seizing Watson’s phone, Flanagan stormed out of the store, taking Zevaya with him, as reported by ABC13 HOUSTON.

Despite her injuries, she alerted the police about the abduction and the escalating danger to her child.

Zevaya Flanagan

According to the criminal complaint, what followed was a 30-mile police chase across northwest Harris County. 

Flanagan drove recklessly, weaving through traffic and running red lights as law enforcement trailed him. 

During this time, he kept Watson and her father on FaceTime, forcing them to witness the horrifying events that would unfold next.

While on the call, and during the chase by police, Flanagan held Zevaya on his lap and choked her as she struggled to breathe. 

While choking his innocent daughter, he screamed at Watson, blaming her for his unbelievable action.

“This is what you made me do,” he reportedly said, his grip tightening around Zevaya’s neck as Watson pleaded for her daughter’s life. 

The pursuit came to an end near St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, where officers surrounded Flanagan’s vehicle. 

By the time they reached him, it was too late. 

Zevaya had suffered fatal injuries from the strangulation, and her lifeless body was discovered inside the car. 

Flanagan was taken into custody at the scene without further resistance.

The events of that day left a permanent scar on Watson and the Houston community. 


Deontray Flanagan in court

Missed Opportunities to Prevent Tragedy  

Zevaya’s death sparked outrage and raised critical questions about domestic violence, the warning signs leading up to the incident, and the missed opportunities to intervene before it was too late.

In the weeks leading up to the murder, Watson had reportedly made multiple calls to the local police department, warning of Flanagan’s escalating threats. 

Police reports show that deputies responded to two calls at Watson's home, but no charges were filed due to what was deemed "insufficient evidence."  

Watson, however, had evidence of Flanagan’s threats, including text messages that explicitly mentioned harming Zevaya. 

She expressed frustration at what she perceived as a lack of urgency from law enforcement.

“They didn’t believe me. They thought I was just making this up,” Watson said.

The criminal investigation into the Harris County Sheriff's Office's response to those calls remains ongoing. 

Officials have promised to review police reports, bodycam footage, and communication logs to assess whether protocols were followed.  

 


Justice For Zevaya Flanagan 

During the trial, prosecutors outlined Flanagan’s violent past, including previous charges of aggravated assault and criminal mischief. 

In 2018, he was convicted of ramming a car into someone’s home and served time in jail. 

His criminal history also includes assaults on family members, further underscoring the escalating danger he posed.  

In court, Watson described her daughter as a "light" who brought joy to everyone around her. 

“Her smile could light up anyone’s darkest days,” she said. 

Zevaya’s grandfather, Curtis Watson, spoke of the immense pain of witnessing her lifeless body during the FaceTime call. 

“You may have taken her last breath, but you cannot kill her spirit, her memory, or her name,” he declared.  

With the conviction secured, the focus now shifts to Flanagan’s sentencing. 

If the capital murder charge is upheld, he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. 

Prosecutors have indicated that they are prepared to argue for the latter.  

As the community waits for justice, questions linger about the systems that failed Zevaya. 

Could this tragedy have been prevented? 

The outcome of the internal investigation may provide some answers, but for Watson and her family, nothing will ease the pain of their devastating loss.  

A GoFundMe has been set up by her family to cover Zevaya’s funeral expenses.

Stay tuned to our blog or subscribe to our free email newsletter for more true crime stories for updates on this case and other true crime stories.

Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately. 

You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.




Comments