The Houston community and the family of Ashanti Allen are grieving after the 23-year-old expectant mother was found dead on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Ashanti, who was eight months pregnant with her first child—a boy her family had already named Jackson—had been the subject of an intensive search since she was reported missing on April 10.

Timeline of Events
The Disappearance: Ashanti was last seen on April 8, 2024, leaving her apartment complex in the 8700 block of Main Street.

The Suspicious Text: Her mother, Trisa Gaines Colbert, grew concerned after receiving a text from Ashanti’s phone at 3:50 a.m. on April 10 that read, “I’m leaving and never coming back.” Family members noted this was entirely out of character, as Ashanti was excited about her new apartment, her new job, and the upcoming birth of her son.
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The Search: Texas EquuSearch and Houston Police launched a large-scale operation using drones and ATVs. Investigators eventually used cellphone data to track her phone’s previous pings.

The Discovery: Her body was found Thursday morning in a wooded area near Chimney Rock Road in southwest Houston.

Investigation and Charges
On Thursday evening, Houston Police announced that Kevin Faux, 24, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of Ashanti and her unborn child.

The Suspect: Faux is the father of Ashanti’s unborn baby. Records show he has a history of prior assault charges, including an incident in September 2025 where he allegedly assaulted Ashanti.
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Current Status: As of April 17, 2026, Kevin Faux is not in custody and is considered wanted by the Houston Police Department.

In Loving Memory
Ashanti is remembered by her family as a vibrant young woman who was eager to become a mother. Her father, Edward Allen, shared a heartbreaking tribute, stating that his “body has been numb” since receiving the news and that she was his “only baby girl.”

The family is currently making funeral arrangements to honor both Ashanti and baby Jackson.