In a devastating act of violence that has left a family and a community reeling, Colencia Davidson, a 39-year-old mother of 10 and a TDCJ corrections sergeant, was shot and killed on Mother’s Day in northeast Harris County, Texas. Colencia Davidson had just returned from a night out with friends when she was ambushed outside her home in Atascocita. Surveillance footage from the scene shows the killer, Thomas Sonnier, the estranged father of all but one of her children, shooting her 12 times before fleeing the scene.

The heartbreaking incident has shaken the family, as Sandra Davidson, Colencia’s cousin, shared the emotional pain of losing someone she considered a sister. "She would have been 40 next week," Sandra said, as balloons and tributes were placed near the site of the killing in Atascocita. "It was a shock," Sandra continued, unable to comprehend the brutal act. "I never would have expected to get a call like that."

Colencia’s family has described her as a devoted mother, always prioritizing her children above all else. Sandra Davidson noted, “She loved her children. Everything she did was for them. She was a good, positive person, laughed, got along with everybody.” Unfortunately, the only person with whom Colencia did not get along was Thomas Sonnier, her partner for nearly two decades.

The couple’s relationship had been described as “toxic” and “tumultuous,” with a recent court appearance highlighting the difficulties they faced. Colencia had recently received a promotion at her job and even took on additional work delivering food on weekends to help her break away from Sonnier. “She just wanted to be happy and take care of her children,” Sandra Davidson said. “That’s all she wanted to do.”

Now, the Davidson family is left to pick up the pieces of this heartbreaking tragedy. Colencia’s children, including a toddler, are left without a mother and effectively without a father, as Sonnier remains in custody. Davidson’s family is seeking custody of Colencia’s youngest children, who are currently staying with Sonnier’s relatives in Port Arthur. Thomas Sonnier has been charged with Colencia Davidson's murder and is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond. The devastating loss of Colencia has sparked outrage and sympathy, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses and support for the children.

This incident is part of a troubling rise in domestic violence cases in the Houston area, with many victims suffering in silence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are resources available. The Houston Area Women’s Center offers a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551. As the investigation continues and the Davidson family struggles with their loss, their focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of Colencia’s children, hoping to find some measure of justice in the wake of this horrific act.