Houston Man Pleaded Guilty to Assaulting Girlfriend. 2 Months Later, He’s Accused of Killing Her At 8 Months Pregnant

A tragic incident in Louisiana has resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old man, Kevin Faux, in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Ashanti Allen, who was 23 years old and eight months pregnant at the time of her demise. Authorities confirmed that Faux is the father of the unborn child and he is currently awaiting extradition to Texas, where the investigation is ongoing.

Faux was apprehended on April 20 in Jefferson Parish by the U.S. Marshals Service, as indicated in a press release from the Houston Police Department. According to jail records obtained by PEOPLE, he is being held in custody with an extradition hold, preventing his release until he can be transferred back to Harris County, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding Allen’s death have drawn considerable attention, especially given the history of domestic violence charges against Faux. Court documents reveal that he had pleaded guilty to assault on Allen less than two months before her death. Originally charged with continuous family violence, a third-degree felony, Faux accepted a plea deal in February that reduced the charge. He was subsequently sentenced to 280 days in county jail but was credited for time already served.

Ashanti Allen was last seen on April 8, and her mother reported her missing two days later after receiving a troubling text message stating, “I’m leaving, not coming back.” The search, aided by volunteers from Texas EquuSearch, concluded with the discovery of Allen’s body near a bayou in Houston’s Chimney Rock area on April 16.

The emotional toll on Allen’s family has been profound. Her mother, Trisa Gaines Colbert, expressed her belief that Allen’s death may have been averted had authorities acted more decisively in light of the prior assault charges against Faux. She remarked, “If they would have kept him, my daughter would have still been here,” underscoring her anger and sorrow over the situation.

Allen’s father, Edward Allen, also shared his devastation at the loss of his daughter, stating that the news left him feeling “overwhelmingly numb.” He lamented the societal issues that allow individuals with violent histories to remain free and pose a danger to others. Similarly, her family released a statement through a GoFundMe page, indicating their tremendous grief. They wrote, “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved baby sister, Ashanti Allen, was tragically taken from us… We never got the chance to meet him,” referring to her unborn child, Jaxon Allen.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the community is left grappling with the consequences of domestic violence and the failures of the system to protect vulnerable individuals. The case has sparked discussions surrounding the need for improved measures to support victims and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

This unfortunate situation serves as a reminder of the critical importance of being vigilant in cases of domestic violence. Those experiencing such issues are encouraged to reach out for help. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, available at 1-800-799-7233, offer confidential support and assistance around the clock, in numerous languages.

As the investigation continues and Faux awaits his extradition, the hearts of many are heavy for Ashanti Allen and her family, who are now faced with the unimaginable task of grieving both a daughter and their anticipated grandson. The hope is that this tragedy will lead to meaningful discussions and actions aimed at reducing domestic violence in the future.