HOUSTON, TX – Haverstock Hills Apartments in north Harris County filed for $200,000 in planned renovations in late July, but the work is not set to begin until December, nearly five months later. The filings came less than two weeks before the death of an 80-year-old resident whose family says extreme heat inside her apartment may have contributed to her death.
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, two separate $100,000 renovation projects for the complex at 5619 Aldine Bender were registered on July 24, 2025. Both projects are scheduled to begin Dec. 1, 2025, with completion expected by May 1, 2026. The projects are publicly funded. TDLR documents list general descriptions such as interior renovations, replacement of components in disrepair, and accessibility upgrades, but do not specify which buildings or units the repairs are for.
Delcour, a 20-year resident, allegedly went without air conditioning for weeks during extreme summer heat. Her daughter said she found the apartment so hot that candles had melted.
Her family and supporters, including activist Candice Matthews with the New Panther Party, say they plan to file a class action lawsuit and are seeking to have the apartment complex renamed in her honor. Attorney Adjua Umoja-Justice said they are collecting similar complaints from other residents for inclusion in the case.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office conducted fire safety inspections following the incident. Additional inspections by agencies with authority to examine individual units may follow.
In a statement, Haverstock Hills Apartments said, “We are saddened by the passing of our neighbor. Our hearts go out to the Dalcour family during this time. Out of respect for the family and while facts continue to be reviewed, we are unable to provide further comment.”
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has not yet determined the cause of Delcour’s death.
History of violent crime at the complex
The Haverstock Hills Apartments have been the scene of multiple deadly shootings in recent years:
- May 5, 2024 – A man was found lying on a sidewalk in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced deceased at the scene.
- September 16, 2024 – A woman in her mid-40s was fatally shot inside an apartment. Four other adults were inside at the time.
- December 21, 2024 – A man in his late 30s was found shot multiple times and died at the scene.
- May 28, 2025 – A man was shot and transported to the hospital. The suspect fled before deputies arrived.
