HOUSTON, TX – An interview featuring civil rights attorneys, families, and Dr. Matthews outlined allegations and concerns raised about cases connected to Christian Menefee’s tenure as Harris County Attorney.
Dr. Matthews stated during the interview that she is seeking answers after hearing from attorneys and families, saying the discussion was intended to highlight experiences described by those involved.
One case discussed involved Tony Underwood, a 37-year-old man shot by Houston police on April 30, 2025, who later died on July 18, 2025, after spending 79 days hospitalized at Ben Taub Hospital.
Below is a voice recording of Tony’s mother, Patricia Underwood, talking about her son’s condition before she was allowed to see him.
Attorneys and family members stated Patricia Underwood was denied access to see her son for 34 days following the shooting and had to pursue legal action before being granted access.
Attorneys stated efforts were made to limit or delay visitation despite court involvement, including instances where access was denied or restricted before a judge ultimately ordered visitation on May 19, 2025.
The press release alleges the Harris County Attorney’s Office, led at the time by Christian Menefee, played an active role in opposing visitation requests involving Underwood’s mother.
The interview also highlighted a separate case involving two teens who allege they were subjected to excessive force and unlawful arrest during an encounter with Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies on April 6, 2023.
According to a complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, the incident began when one teen’s vehicle ran out of gas and stalled in a roadway.
The filing alleges that one teen was physically assaulted by Deputy Christopher Bolin during the encounter, including being pulled from a vehicle, slammed onto the pavement, and struck multiple times. It further states that deputies accused him of assaulting an officer, a charge that was later dismissed for lack of probable cause.
The complaint also alleges that the second teen was threatened for recording the incident from a public sidewalk and was later arrested on an obstruction charge, which was also dismissed.
Attorneys stated during the interview that multiple deputies were present and did not intervene, and that the case reflects broader concerns about accountability and oversight.
The interview also highlighted concerns that former Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christopher Bolin was later hired by Harris County Precinct 2 despite his prior history while on the job.
At the end of the interview, Dr. Matthews stated she is withdrawing her endorsement of Congressman Christian Menefee following the concerns raised by attorneys and families discussed in the cases.
