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Houston woman fatally shot while helping with Hurricane Michael recovery in Florida
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Julian Gill, Houston Chronicle
Updated
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PHOTOS: Houston woman helping with hurricane relief shot dead in Florida
Ledesma Vonzell Wooden, 24, is accused of fatally shooting Houston resident Aija Hunter in Florida. Hunter and Wooden were both part of a group sent to Florida to help with the Hurricane Michael recovery effort.
>>> See more scenes from Florida after the alleged murder
PHOTOS: Houston woman helping with hurricane relief shot dead in Florida
Ledesma Vonzell Wooden, 24, is accused of fatally shooting Houston resident Aija Hunter in Florida. Hunter and Wooden were both part … more
Photo: Okaloosa Department Of Corrections
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Fort Walton Beach Police Maj. Tracy Hart held a press conference Thursday morning about a shooting at a Greyhound Bus Station that left a Houston resident dead.
Fort Walton Beach Police Maj. Tracy Hart held a press conference Thursday morning about a shooting at a Greyhound Bus Station that left a Houston resident dead.
Photo: Nick Tomecek/Northwest Florida Daily News
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A Houston woman was fatally shot at a Greyhound bus station on Wednesday in Florida, where she was with a larger group of Houston residents helping with the Hurricane Michael relief effort.
A Houston woman was fatally shot at a Greyhound bus station on Wednesday in Florida, where she was with a larger group of Houston residents helping with the Hurricane Michael relief effort.
Photo: Northwest Florida Daily News
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PHOTOS: The damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018
Fort Walton Beach police say a Houston resident helping with the Hurricane Michael relief effort was shot by a co-worker on Wednesday.
>>> See just how much the areas affected by Hurricane Michael need to rebuild.
PHOTOS: The damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018
Fort Walton Beach police say a Houston resident helping with the Hurricane Michael relief effort was shot by a co-worker on Wednesday.
>>> See
Photo: Nick Tomecek/Northwest Florida Daily News
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In this image made from video and provided by SevereStudios.com, damage from Hurricane Michael is seen in Mexico Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Search-and-rescue teams fanned out across the Florida Panhandle to reach trapped people in Michael’s wake Thursday as daylight yielded scenes of rows upon rows of houses smashed to pieces by the third-most powerful hurricane on record to hit the continental U.S. (SevereStudios.com via AP)
In this image made from video and provided by SevereStudios.com, damage from Hurricane Michael is seen in Mexico Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Search-and-rescue teams fanned out across the Florida
Photo: AP
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In this image made from video and provided by SevereStudios.com, damage from Hurricane Michael is seen in Mexico Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Search-and-rescue teams fanned out across the Florida Panhandle to reach trapped people in Michael’s wake Thursday as daylight yielded scenes of rows upon rows of houses smashed to pieces by the third-most powerful hurricane on record to hit the continental U.S. (SevereStudios.com via AP)
In this image made from video and provided by SevereStudios.com, damage from Hurricane Michael is seen in Mexico Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Search-and-rescue teams fanned out across the Florida
Photo: AP
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A roof over a boat storage building is collapsed following Hurricane Michael Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Panama City Beach, Fla. Hurricane Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph (250 kph) winds and a storm surge of 9 feet (2.7 meters). (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
A roof over a boat storage building is collapsed following Hurricane Michael Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Panama City Beach, Fla. Hurricane Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph
Photo: Chris O’Meara/AP
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Homes are left swept off their foundations from the effects of Hurricane Michael, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Mexico Beach, Fla. Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph (250 kph) winds and a storm surge of 9 feet (2.7 meters). (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Homes are left swept off their foundations from the effects of Hurricane Michael, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Mexico Beach, Fla. Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph (250
Photo: Chris O’Meara/AP
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In this image made from video and provided by SevereStudios.com, damage from Hurricane Michael is seen in Mexico Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Search-and-rescue teams fanned out across the Florida Panhandle to reach trapped people in Michael’s wake Thursday as daylight yielded scenes of rows upon rows of houses smashed to pieces by the third-most powerful hurricane on record to hit the continental U.S. (SevereStudios.com via AP)
In this image made from video and provided by SevereStudios.com, damage from Hurricane Michael is seen in Mexico Beach, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Search-and-rescue teams fanned out across the Florida
Photo: AP
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Rescue personnel search amidst debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Rescue personnel search amidst debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP
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Homes washed away by Hurricane Michael are shown in this aerial photo Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Mexico Beach, Fla. Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph (250 kph) winds and a storm surge of 9 feet (2.7 meters). (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Homes washed away by Hurricane Michael are shown in this aerial photo Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Mexico Beach, Fla. Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph (250 kph) winds and a
Photo: Chris O’Meara/AP
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Debris from Hurricane Michael fills a lot Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Mexico Beach, Fla. Hurricane Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph (250 kph) winds and a storm surge of 9 feet (2.7 meters). (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Debris from Hurricane Michael fills a lot Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Mexico Beach, Fla. Hurricane Michael made landfall Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane with 155 mph (250 kph) winds and a storm surge of 9
Photo: Chris O’Meara/AP
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In this aerial view, storm damaged boats are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
In this aerial view, storm damaged boats are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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Hector Benthall, right, gets a hug from his neighbor Keito Jordan after remnants of Hurricane Michael sent a tree crashing into Benthall’s home on October 11, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. Jordan was the first responder to the accident that sent at least one person to the hospital.
Hector Benthall, right, gets a hug from his neighbor Keito Jordan after remnants of Hurricane Michael sent a tree crashing into Benthall’s home on October 11, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. Jordan was the
Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images
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The coastal township of Mexico Beach, Fla., lays devastated on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
The coastal township of Mexico Beach, Fla., lays devastated on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Photo: Douglas R. Clifford/AP
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Paul Dean stands in front of his damaged property after Hurricane Michael in Panama City, Florida on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
Paul Dean stands in front of his damaged property after Hurricane Michael in Panama City, Florida on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael
Photo: EMILY KASK/AFP/Getty Images
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Michael Williams, 70, waves to passing motorists while looking for food and water as downed trees prevent him from driving out of his damaged home with his family in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Springfield, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. “I don’t know what I’m going to,” said Williams. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Michael Williams, 70, waves to passing motorists while looking for food and water as downed trees prevent him from driving out of his damaged home with his family in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in
Photo: David Goldman/AP
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The coastal township of Mexico Beach, Fla., lays devastated on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
The coastal township of Mexico Beach, Fla., lays devastated on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Photo: Douglas R. Clifford/AP
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Employees at Shields Marina clean up the mud deposited by the storm surge from Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Saint Marks, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Employees at Shields Marina clean up the mud deposited by the storm surge from Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Saint Marks, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Photo: Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images
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A US flag waves outside the collapsed 15th Street Flea Market in Panama City, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
A US flag waves outside the collapsed 15th Street Flea Market in Panama City, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of
Photo: EMILY KASK/AFP/Getty Images
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The restroom in the home of Cindy an James Murphy, in Port St. Joe, Fla., is plastered with the remnants of a violent tidal surge on Thursday , Oct. 11, 2018, which damaged most of the homes on the town’s coast and decimated a majority of coastal structures in adjacent Mexico Beach after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
The restroom in the home of Cindy an James Murphy, in Port St. Joe, Fla., is plastered with the remnants of a violent tidal surge on Thursday , Oct. 11, 2018, which damaged most of the homes on the town’s coast
Photo: Douglas R. Clifford/AP
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The coastal township of Mexico Beach, Fla., lays devastated on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
The coastal township of Mexico Beach, Fla., lays devastated on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, after Hurricane Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Photo: Douglas R. Clifford/AP
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Debris scatters an area in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Debris scatters an area in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP
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Firefighter Austin Schlarb performs a door to door search in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Firefighter Austin Schlarb performs a door to door search in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP
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A boat sits amidst debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A boat sits amidst debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP
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A boat sits amidst debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A boat sits amidst debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP
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A vehicle sits under a fallen tree where an occupant was trapped due to tropical storm winds brought by Hurricane Michael, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Atlanta. Firefighters rescued the woman and she was transported to a hospital. (John Spink/The Atlanta Journal and Constitution via AP)
A vehicle sits under a fallen tree where an occupant was trapped due to tropical storm winds brought by Hurricane Michael, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Atlanta. Firefighters rescued the woman and she was
Photo: John Spink/AP
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In this aerial view, storm damaged boats are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
In this aerial view, storm damaged boats are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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A destroyed business in Panama City, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
A destroyed business in Panama City, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path
Photo: EMILY KASK/AFP/Getty Images
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A fallen powerline is seen in front of a home in Panama City, Florida after Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
A fallen powerline is seen in front of a home in Panama City, Florida after Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore
Photo: EMILY KASK/AFP/Getty Images
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In this aerial view, a storm damaged motel is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
In this aerial view, a storm damaged motel is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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In this aerial view, a storm damaged church is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
In this aerial view, a storm damaged church is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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A fallen tree rests on a house after remnants of Hurricane Michael passed through on October 11, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. The accident sent at least one person to the hospital.
A fallen tree rests on a house after remnants of Hurricane Michael passed through on October 11, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. The accident sent at least one person to the hospital.
Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images
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In this image released by the US Coast Guard (USCG), Coast Guard crew members aboard an HC-130 Hercules airplane fly over damaged homes near Apalachicola, Florida, on October 11, 2018, in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
In this image released by the US Coast Guard (USCG), Coast Guard crew members aboard an HC-130 Hercules airplane fly over damaged homes near Apalachicola, Florida, on October 11, 2018, in the aftermath of
Photo: ASHLEY J. JOHNSON/AFP/Getty Images
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The overhang of a gas station is toppled over in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Inlet Beach, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
The overhang of a gas station is toppled over in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Inlet Beach, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday
Photo: EMILY KASK/AFP/Getty Images
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Kathy Coy stands among what is left of her home after Hurricane Michael destroyed it on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. She said she was in the home when it was blown apart and is thankful to be alive. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Kathy Coy stands among what is left of her home after Hurricane Michael destroyed it on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. She said she was in the home when it was blown apart and is thankful to be
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Jason Phipps looks through his families roofless apartment after category 4 Hurricane Michael made land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City, FL.
Jason Phipps looks through his families roofless apartment after category 4 Hurricane Michael made land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City, FL.
Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images
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A view of a hotel room with a collapsed wall in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after Michael tore a path through the coastal region as a powerful hurricane that killed at least two people.
A view of a hotel room with a collapsed wall in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Residents of the Florida Panhandle woke to scenes of devastation Thursday after
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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A warehouse of boats is seen damaged at Treasure Island Marina after category 4 Hurricane Michael made land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, FL.
A warehouse of boats is seen damaged at Treasure Island Marina after category 4 Hurricane Michael made land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, FL.
Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images
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A car is seen caught in flood water after category 4 Hurricane Michael made land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City, FL.
A car is seen caught in flood water after category 4 Hurricane Michael made land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City, FL.
Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images
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Television reporters stand watching as category 4 Hurricane Michael makes land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, FL.
Television reporters stand watching as category 4 Hurricane Michael makes land fall along the Florida panhandle, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, FL.
Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images
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Amanda Logsdon begins the process of trying to clean up her home after the roof was blown off by the passing winds of hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Amanda Logsdon begins the process of trying to clean up her home after the roof was blown off by the passing winds of hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Carol Ralph walks through downed trees blocking her heavily damaged neighborhood just after Hurricane Michael passed through in Panama City, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Carol Ralph walks through downed trees blocking her heavily damaged neighborhood just after Hurricane Michael passed through in Panama City, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press
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Trees lay on the top of a home after hurricane Michael passed through the area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Trees lay on the top of a home after hurricane Michael passed through the area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Boats sit in a storage warehouse damaged from Hurricane Michael at Treasure Island Marina in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it barrels toward Florida with winds strengthening to 145 miles per hour, posing potential consequences for companies in the building, hospital, insurance and energy industries, among others. The Category 4 storm, poised to be the strongest to hit the continental U.S. since 2004, is�expected�to make landfall Wednesday and could cause $16 billion in damage. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg lessBoats sit in a storage warehouse damaged from Hurricane Michael at Treasure Island Marina in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it … more
Photo: Luke Sharrett, Bloomberg
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A storm chaser climbs into his vehicle during the eye of Hurricane Michael to retrieve equipment after a hotel canopy collapsed in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018.
A storm chaser climbs into his vehicle during the eye of Hurricane Michael to retrieve equipment after a hotel canopy collapsed in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018.
Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press
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Broken awnings are seen after hurricane Michael passed through the downtown area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Broken awnings are seen after hurricane Michael passed through the downtown area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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A damaged home is seen after hurricane Michael passed through the area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
A damaged home is seen after hurricane Michael passed through the area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Debris lays on the ground of a Booze Express store as Hurricane Michael makes landfall in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it barrels toward Florida with winds strengthening to 145 miles per hour, posing potential consequences for companies in the building, hospital, insurance and energy industries, among others. The Category 4 storm, poised to be the strongest to hit the continental U.S. since 2004, is�expected�to make landfall Wednesday and could cause $16 billion in damage. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg lessDebris lays on the ground of a Booze Express store as Hurricane Michael makes landfall in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it … more
Photo: Luke Sharrett, Bloomberg
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A tree lays across a road as Hurricane Michael makes landfall in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it barrels toward Florida with winds strengthening to 145 miles per hour, posing potential consequences for companies in the building, hospital, insurance and energy industries, among others. The Category 4 storm, poised to be the strongest to hit the continental U.S. since 2004, is�expected�to make landfall Wednesday and could cause $16 billion in damage. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg lessA tree lays across a road as Hurricane Michael makes landfall in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it barrels toward Florida with … more
Photo: Luke Sharrett, Bloomberg
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A stores windows are seen shattered as hurricane Michael passed through the downtown area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
A stores windows are seen shattered as hurricane Michael passed through the downtown area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm.
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Mike Lindsey stands in his antique shop after the winds from hurricane Michael broke the windows in his shop on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm. lessMike Lindsey stands in his antique shop after the winds from hurricane Michael broke the windows in his shop on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 … more
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Jane Lindsey tries to salvage her dolls from the water running into her store after hurricane Michael passed through the area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm. lessJane Lindsey tries to salvage her dolls from the water running into her store after hurricane Michael passed through the area on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle … more
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Hotel employees look at a canopy that just collapsed, as Hurricane Michael passes through in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018.
Hotel employees look at a canopy that just collapsed, as Hurricane Michael passes through in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018.
Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press
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A woman checks on her vehicle as Hurricane Michael passes through, after the hotel canopy had just collapsed, in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A woman checks on her vehicle as Hurricane Michael passes through, after the hotel canopy had just collapsed, in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press
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Debris is blown down a street by Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane made landfall on the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Debris is blown down a street by Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane made landfall on the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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This photo made available by NASA shows they eye of Hurricane Michael, as seen from the International Space Station on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (NASA via AP)
This photo made available by NASA shows they eye of Hurricane Michael, as seen from the International Space Station on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (NASA via AP)
Photo: Associated Press
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This infrared satellite image made available by NOAA shows Hurricane Michael approaching the Florida panhandle on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 at 11:40 a.m. EDT. (NOAA via AP)
This infrared satellite image made available by NOAA shows Hurricane Michael approaching the Florida panhandle on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 at 11:40 a.m. EDT. (NOAA via AP)
Photo: Associated Press
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Rain prediction for Hurricane Michael over the next 3 days. (Greg Good/TNS)
Rain prediction for Hurricane Michael over the next 3 days. (Greg Good/TNS)
Photo: Greg Good, TNS
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Emily Hindle lies on the floor at an evacuation shelter set up at Rutherford High School, in advance of Hurricane Michael, which is expected to make landfall today, in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) lessEmily Hindle lies on the floor at an evacuation shelter set up at Rutherford High School, in advance of Hurricane Michael, which is expected to make landfall today, in Panama City Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. … more
Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press
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The storm surge and waves from Hurricane Michael batter the beachfront homes on October 10, 2018 in the Florida Panhandle community of Shell Point Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm. lessThe storm surge and waves from Hurricane Michael batter the beachfront homes on October 10, 2018 in the Florida Panhandle community of Shell Point Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida … more
Photo: Mark Wallheiser, Getty Images
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Cameron Sadowski walks along where waves are crashing onto the beach as the outer bands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm.
Cameron Sadowski walks along where waves are crashing onto the beach as the outer bands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Ellis Davis makes sure his boat is secure as the outer bands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) lessEllis Davis makes sure his boat is secure as the outer bands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible … more
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Neko Blaine holds Alaina Blaine, 4, as they sit in the lobby of the Hilton Gardens Inn after leaving their home for a safer place as the outer bands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) lessNeko Blaine holds Alaina Blaine, 4, as they sit in the lobby of the Hilton Gardens Inn after leaving their home for a safer place as the outer bands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama … more
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Kathy Eaton takes what she can from her home as she tries to get out of the way of the storm as the outerbands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm.
Kathy Eaton takes what she can from her home as she tries to get out of the way of the storm as the outerbands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The hurricane is
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Waves crash along a pier as the outerbands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm.
Waves crash along a pier as the outerbands of hurricane Michael arrive on October 10, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm.
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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An abandoned beach chair is seen on the beach ahead of Hurricane Michael in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it barrels toward Florida with winds strengthening to 145 miles per hour, posing potential consequences for companies in the building, hospital, insurance and energy industries, among others. The Category 4 storm, poised to be the strongest to hit the continental U.S. since 2004, is�expected�to make landfall Wednesday and could cause $16 billion in damage. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg lessAn abandoned beach chair is seen on the beach ahead of Hurricane Michael in Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. Investors are tracking�Hurricane�Michael�as it barrels toward … more
Photo: Luke Sharrett, Bloomberg
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An aerial picture of people filling bags with sand at the Lynn Haven Sports Complex while preparing for Hurricane Michael October 9, 2018 in Panama City, Florida.
An aerial picture of people filling bags with sand at the Lynn Haven Sports Complex while preparing for Hurricane Michael October 9, 2018 in Panama City, Florida.
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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Pets are checked in, as people seek safety in a shelter as Hurricane Michael approaches on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Hurricane Michael closed in on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday as an “extremely dangerous” category four storm packing powerful winds and a huge sea surge, US forecasters said. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said the storm, which local forecasters are calling an “unprecedented” weather event for the area, is expected to slam ashore later in the day with “life-threatening” storm surges.
Pets are checked in, as people seek safety in a shelter as Hurricane Michael approaches on October 10, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. – Hurricane Michael closed in on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday as an
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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Patrons enjoy beverages outside Buster’s Beer & Bait, one of the last bars in the area still open, as category 3 Hurricane Michael approaches the Florida panhandle, in Panama City Beach on Tuesday, Oct. 09, 2018 in Washington, DC.
Patrons enjoy beverages outside Buster’s Beer & Bait, one of the last bars in the area still open, as category 3 Hurricane Michael approaches the Florida panhandle, in Panama City Beach on Tuesday, Oct. 09,
Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images
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Talquin Electric linemen shut off the power to Shell Point Beach prior to the arrival of Hurricane Michael on October 9, 2018 in Crawfordville, Florida.
Talquin Electric linemen shut off the power to Shell Point Beach prior to the arrival of Hurricane Michael on October 9, 2018 in Crawfordville, Florida.
Photo: Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images
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Bar owner Dorothy White puts away outdoor furniture at Ouzts Too bar prior to the arrival of Hurricane Michael on October 9, 2018 in Newport, Florida.
Bar owner Dorothy White puts away outdoor furniture at Ouzts Too bar prior to the arrival of Hurricane Michael on October 9, 2018 in Newport, Florida.
Photo: Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images
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This Florida National Guard image released October 10, 2018 shows members of the Florida National Guard CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package as they prepare to help citizens in affected areas prior to landfall of Hurricane Michael on October 9, 2018 in Stark, Florida. (Photo by Ching OETTEL / Florida National Guard / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD/CHING OETTEL” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTSCHING OETTEL/AFP/Getty Images lessThis Florida National Guard image released October 10, 2018 shows members of the Florida National Guard CBRN Enhanced Response Force Package as they prepare to help citizens in affected areas prior to landfall … more
Photo: CHING OETTEL, AFP/Getty Images
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People visit the beach while waiting for Hurricane Michael October 9, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida.
People visit the beach while waiting for Hurricane Michael October 9, 2018 in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
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The St. Marks River overflows into the city of St. Marks, Fla., ahead of Hurricane Michael, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The National Hurricane Center says says Michael will be the first Category 4 hurricane to make landfall on the Florida Panhandle.
The St. Marks River overflows into the city of St. Marks, Fla., ahead of Hurricane Michael, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The National Hurricane Center says says Michael will be the first Category 4 hurricane to
Photo: Brendan Farrington/AP
Photo: Okaloosa Department Of Corrections
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PHOTOS: Houston woman helping with hurricane relief shot dead in Florida
Ledesma Vonzell Wooden, 24, is accused of fatally shooting Houston resident Aija Hunter in Florida. Hunter and Wooden were both part of a group sent to Florida to help with the Hurricane Michael recovery effort.
>>> See more scenes from Florida after the alleged murder
PHOTOS: Houston woman helping with hurricane relief shot dead in Florida
Ledesma Vonzell Wooden, 24, is accused of fatally shooting Houston resident Aija Hunter in Florida. Hunter and Wooden were both part … more
Photo: Okaloosa Department Of Corrections
Houston woman fatally shot while helping with Hurricane Michael recovery in Florida
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A group of Houston residents helping with the Hurricane Michael recovery effort in Florida were involved a shooting Wednesday night that left one woman dead, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.
The woman, identified by police as 24-year-old Aija Hunter, succumbed to her gunshot wound to the abdomen at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Another Houston resident in the group was shot in his leg but survived, police said.
RELATED: ‘Return the Favor’ Galveston County groups aid Michael victims in Florida
The suspect, 24-year-old Ledesma Vonzell Wooden, who was also part of the group, has been charged with homicide, attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, police said in a press release.
Additional charges may follow, the release said.
Hunter’s mother, Michelle Anderson, said her daughter ran a family cleaning business in Houston called Majestic Hands. She described Hunter as an “extremely positive, loving and giving person.”
“I haven’t even been able to process exactly what I’m feeling right now,” Anderson said.
Police called the shooting a “tragic isolated incident” involving five people from Houston who were temporarily living in Okaloosa Island, located roughly 45 miles east of Pensacola.
They worked for a company sent to help with the Hurricane Michael relief effort in Panama City. Anderson said she didn’t know the company name, but Hunter left with the group about a month ago, she said.
She said Hunter came home for a day before leaving to Florida.
“Which is the last time that I had the opportunity to see me baby,” Anderson said.
Around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night, the group was sitting at a Greyhound Bus station at 101 Perry Avenue in Fort Walton Beach when a verbal altercation ensued, police said.
Police said Wooden brandished a forearm and fired several shots, striking two of the three occupants sitting in a company van, including Hunter.
RELATED: Power bills suspended for many hit hard by Hurricane Michael
Fort Walton Beach police could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday, but Major Tracy Hart told WEAR-TV that Wooden was standing outside the company van when he opened fire.
Police apprehended a fleeing Wooden, while Hunter and the other wounded man were taken to a hospital, police said.
Wooden was not granted bail, and he is awaiting a hearing, jail records show. Wooden has previously faced several criminal charges in Harris County dating back to 2011, according to court records.
In 2017, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm and burglary. In 2011, he faced a charge of theft between $500 and $1,500.
Anderson said she wasn’t aware of any relationship between Hunter and Wooden before the trip to Florida. She didn’t know the daily activities of the group, but at one point, Hunter told her they had been cleaning up a mall.
The family, she said, is preparing to pick up the body in Florida.
“Right now, it’s just so much [emotion],” Anderson said.
Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message