Houston Teen Charged With Manslaughter in Fatal Shooting
Authorities issued a warrant for Emily Abigail Perez after the fatal shooting of her boyfriend in March.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Violence
Houston officials charged 18-year-old Emily Abigail Perez with manslaughter following the death of Diego Cornejo. The incident occurred at a townhome on Fondren Road earlier this year.
Why it matters
The case highlights the dangers associated with the modification of firearms, as the weapon involved featured a switch to make it fully automatic. Perez remains at large as authorities seek her arrest.
Emily Abigail Perez faces a manslaughter charge with an active arrest warrant issued in Harris County. She is currently not in custody.
The players
Emily Abigail Perez
She is the 18-year-old suspect facing a manslaughter charge in the shooting death of her boyfriend.
Diego Cornejo
He was the victim of the fatal shooting who had been dating the suspect for two years.
The details
Perez allegedly shot Diego Cornejo with a .40 caliber Glock model 35 while vlogging on an iPad. The weapon was modified with a switch to function as a fully automatic firearm at the time of the incident.
Timeline
March 11, 2026: The shooting occurred at a townhome on Fondren Road.
September 18, 2026: Authorities officially charged Emily Abigail Perez.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by federal and state efforts to prosecute the possession and use of illegal machine gun conversion devices. It underscores the broader legal trend of increasing criminal accountability for firearm modifications that alter weapon lethality.
Residents in the Fondren Road area may observe continued police activity as authorities work to locate the suspect. The incident serves as a safety advisory regarding the presence of modified firearms in residential settings.
The takeaway
This tragic incident emphasizes the extreme risks of handling firearms, particularly those modified with illegal switches. Responsible gun ownership requires strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidental fatalities.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Violence section.
