Authorities said Gary Davis was arrested and charged with murder after Marlon Sanders was shot near a vehicle.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Port Arthur music teacher and coach was fatally shot early Tuesday during a child pickup at a northeast Harris County home, and his wife’s former boyfriend has been charged with murder, authorities said.
Marlon Sanders, 36, died after the shooting in the 12700 block of Blue Timbers Court. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said investigators believe Sanders and his wife had gone to pick up an infant she shared with 38-year-old Gary Davis.
The shooting happened shortly after midnight. Investigators said Davis became upset during the exchange, went outside and shot Sanders while Sanders was near his vehicle in the street. Deputies said Sanders collapsed near the driveway. Harris County Precinct 3 constable’s deputies responded, and Sanders was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Court records cited by investigators showed Sanders and his wife had separated about three years ago. During that separation, she began a relationship with Davis and had a baby with him. Records showed Sanders and his wife later reconciled after the child’s birth.
Neighbor Amber Howard said she heard a woman yelling before the gunfire. “Then I heard two guns,” Howard said. She said the woman later screamed that her husband had been shot and began CPR outside the home.
Davis was arrested at the scene and booked into the Harris County Jail. Authorities said no one else was injured. Homicide detectives processed the scene and continued reviewing witness accounts and evidence from the shooting.
Sanders worked at Adams Elementary School in Port Arthur ISD, where the district said he taught music and coached football and basketball. The district also remembered him as a singer, DJ, musician and mentor whose work reached beyond the classroom.
Port Arthur ISD said Sanders would be missed by students, athletes, co-workers and community members. Neighbor Jasmin Nicholson called the shooting tragic and said the neighborhood was shaken by the violence.
Davis remained charged with murder as the case moved through Harris County criminal court. Investigators had not announced any additional charges by Wednesday.
Author note: Last updated May 28, 2026.