In a solemn courtroom decision this week, a Baytown man was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being found guilty of fatally shooting his wife, a grim act committed while their children slept nearby. The sentence was handed down following a rigorous six-day trial that underscored the devastating impact of domestic violence.

 Jason Jermaine Armster
 

Jason Jermaine Armster, 41, committed the heinous act against 36-year-old Charlene Grovell at their home in the Sheldon area on March 31, 2020. The couple lived with their three children, ages 3, 5, and 11, with the two older children being Grovell's from a previous relationship.

According to the Harris County District Attorney, Kim Ogg, the incident was the culmination of a history of violence perpetrated by Armster against his domestic partners. "This man had a history of violence against domestic partners that escalated until he ultimately killed his wife," Ogg stated. “While we cannot undo the horrible things he did, we can do our best to get justice for the victims and make sure this man never again hurts anyone else in our community.”

On the night of the murder, Armster fatally shot Grovell in the back of the head and attempted to dispose of the evidence by throwing the gun off the Fred Hartman Bridge. He later turned himself into the Baytown Police Department under the pretense of resolving outstanding traffic tickets but inadvertently revealed his wife's fate to the officers.

The Baytown Police, upon hearing Armster’s suspicious remarks, alerted the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, which dispatched deputies for a welfare check at the home. They discovered the three children in the house, unharmed physically, but tragically, they found their mother deceased.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation and subsequently arrested Armster. During the trial, the jury was presented with chilling evidence of Armster's prior assaults on two other women with whom he had children. This pattern of behavior highlighted the dangers Armster posed to his family and the community at large.

Assistant District Attorney Kelly Marshall, who prosecuted the case in the Domestic Violence Division, reflected on the courtroom atmosphere, filled with those who cherished Grovell. "She will be remembered for her generosity and her love for her children, while he will be remembered for murdering his wife while his children slept in the next room," Marshall commented. 

Armster is required to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, ensuring he remains behind bars for a substantial time, reflecting the severity of his crimes and providing a measure of justice for the victims of his actions.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such violence with severe legal repercussions. The community and the justice system alike hope this sentencing brings some solace to the family and friends of Charlene Grovell while reaffirming the commitment to combating domestic violence in Harris County.

For more info, visit https://www.harriscountyda.com/