East Montgomery County sister shooting case dismissed

Linda Carol Hampton, a Cleveland woman who had been charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault against a family member after shooting her sister in the chest last October, had the charge dismissed earlier this week due to “insufficient evidence,” according to court documents.

Hampton’s defense attorney Jayson Booth told The Courier Friday the case against his client was “clear-cut self-defense” from the beginning, even though Hampton accidentally shot her sister.

“She was on her own property. She was attacked by someone who the police report showed there had been an attack in the past,” Booth said. “She was trying to call the police, and the other person tried to grab at the phone to keep her from calling the police when the gun went off.

“Justice was definitely served in this instance.”

The shooting took place in the 2000 block of California Drive, located in East Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene to find Hampton and her sister Connie Hampton, 63. Initial reports indicated Hampton pulled out a handgun and shot her sister in the chest.

Booth said both sisters contend the gun was fired after Connie Hampton swatted at the telephone to prevent Linda Hampton from calling the police.

Montgomery County Hospital District EMS attempted to stabilize Connie Hampton while calling for a PHI medical helicopter. Connie Hampton was transported to Hermann Memorial Hospital in downtown Houston, but her current condition was unclear as of Friday.

“Both parties admitted what happened and cooperated with the police from the beginning,” Booth said. “The sister admitted swatting at the phone to keep her from calling the police. The gun went off accidentally when her sister lunged at Ms. Hampton.

“Even without it being accidental, it was clear self-defense. Her case is over, it’s been dismissed and she’s moving on with her life.”