New and heartbreaking details have emerged in the tragic stabbing death of Elizabeth Tamilore Odunsi, a 23-year-old British nursing student who was fatally attacked in her Houston apartment on April 26. According to Houston police, Odunsi was killed by her roommate, 40-year-old Chester Grant, following a conflict that had escalated over the course of several days.
Odunsi, originally from England, had moved to Houston to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She was studying at a local nursing school and was just days away from graduating—a milestone that friends and family say she had worked tirelessly to achieve. Her life was cut short in a shocking and violent act that has devastated both the local community and loved ones overseas.
The incident occurred at an apartment on Goforth Street, located on the south side of Houston. Authorities responded to a 911 call and found Odunsi lying on the kitchen floor, suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the suspect, Chester Grant, had been Odunsi’s roommate for only about two months. Their living arrangement, reportedly meant to be temporary, had become tense in recent weeks.
Police revealed that the fatal altercation stemmed from an argument over the cats that both individuals kept in the apartment. What began as a disagreement quickly escalated into a larger conflict, eventually culminating in the deadly attack.
Following the stabbing, Grant allegedly attempted to take his own life. Authorities said he inflicted six stab wounds on himself, including one to the side of his neck. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital where he received treatment for his self-inflicted injuries. After several days in recovery, he was taken into custody.
On Saturday morning, Grant appeared in probable cause court. He is currently being held in the Harris County Jail with his bond set at $500,000. He is expected to make another court appearance on Monday. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
The senselessness of the crime has left many grappling with grief and disbelief. Elizabeth Odunsi’s friends describe her as compassionate, intelligent, and driven—a young woman with a bright future in healthcare. She had a deep love for caring for others and was known to be dedicated to her studies and to her patients during clinical rotations.
“She was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met,” said a fellow nursing student. “She was passionate about helping people, and she had this calming presence that made you feel safe and heard.”
Odunsi’s family in the United Kingdom is now mourning from afar, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Plans are underway to return her remains to her home country.
Tributes have poured in from both sides of the Atlantic, with many expressing outrage and sorrow over the brutal nature of her death and the timing—so close to what should have been a joyful celebration of her accomplishments.
Houston police continue to gather evidence, including surveillance footage from the apartment complex and testimony from neighbors. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
As the community seeks justice for Elizabeth Odunsi, many are calling for greater awareness around mental health, roommate safety, and conflict resolution. Her death is a stark reminder of how quickly interpersonal tensions can escalate into irreversible violence.
A candlelight vigil is being planned by her classmates and instructors in the coming days to honor her memory. For those who knew Elizabeth, her legacy will be one of kindness, determination, and a life full of promise, stolen far too soon
