RICHMOND, Texas — A woman was shot and killed in Fort Bend County on Sunday. Her husband is now charged with murder.
According to investigators, it happened at a home on Rocky Knoll Lane near Fort Hill Lane, which is just south of Richmond. David Pollard is in custody, accused of killing his wife, Iona Pollard. His bond was set at $300,000, according to jail records.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office shared a letter from Lamar CISD, in which Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens confirmed the death of Iona Pollard.
Nivens said both Iona Pollard and David Pollard worked for the district. Iona was an instructional coach at George Junior High School.
The superintendent also confirmed the couple’s two children are part of Lamar CISD.
“The loss of their mother and the circumstances of this tragedy are incredibly heartbreaking. We extend our deepest condolences to the Pollard children, their families, friends, and all who knew Iona, particularly her colleagues and students at George Junior High,” Nivens said in the statement.
The district said counseling and support services would be available to the students, staff or family members needing assistance. Staff members may also contact EAP at 1-800-475-3327.
“We understand the emotional weight this places on our community and are here to provide care and support,” Nivens said. “Please join me in keeping the Pollard family in your thoughts during this extremely challenging time. Let us give them the privacy and respect they need to navigate this tragedy and remind ourselves of the strength and compassion that define our community.”
At this time, the events leading up to the shooting are unclear. FBCSO confirmed David was detained as the investigation is underway.
Witnesses told KHOU 11’s Orko Manna they saw law enforcement activity in the neighborhood at around 12:30 p.m. One neighbor described Iona as very friendly.
“I was stunned to see them there because this is a close-knit community. Nothing really happens like that here, so you know, to see something like that happen this morning was shocking,” resident Alex Priester said.
Priester said he had interacted with both Iona and David Pollard on several occasions as neighbors.
She was absolutely just a quiet type of person. You see her, she was eager to say hello, she was enthusiastic to speak to you,” Priester said. “It’s a tragic situation, it’s really heartbreaking, you know, I was devastated.”
And speaking of David Pollard, Priester added, “We’ve connected, shared each other’s life, friends, exchanged food, you know, and just basically came to know each other’s families.”
Read the full letter sent to the Lamar CISD community:
It is with profound sadness that I share with you a tragic loss that has deeply affected our district family. We have learned of the devastating incident involving two of our own, Iona and David Pollard. Iona Pollard, a cherished instructional coach at George Junior High School, was tragically killed in an incident involving her husband, David. This terrible event occurred outside of school grounds and is under investigation by local authorities.
Our thoughts are with Iona’s two children, who are also part of our Lamar CISD family. The loss of their mother and the circumstances of this tragedy are incredibly heartbreaking. We extend our deepest condolences to the Pollard children, their families, friends, and all who knew Iona, particularly her colleagues and students at George Junior High.
As a community, we must pull together to support one another in this time of grief. Counseling and support services are available for any student, staff member, or family needing assistance. Staff members may also contact EAP at 1-800-475-3327. We understand the emotional weight this places on our community and are here to provide care and support.
Please join me in keeping the Pollard family in your thoughts during this extremely challenging time. Let us give them the privacy and respect they need to navigate this tragedy and remind ourselves of the strength and compassion that define our community.
Thank you for your sensitivity and support.
Dr. Roosevelt Nivens
Superintendent, Lamar CISD
Resources for domestic violence victims
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.