A Texas mother of 10 was ready to start a new life away from her toxic ex. She never knew a night out with friends on May 5 would be her last. The mom, 39-year-old Colencia Sade Davidson, arrived at her Houston-area home when the father of all but one of her children, 44-year-old Thomas Sonnier, allegedly ambushed her in the driveway. Police say Sonnier shot Davidson 12 times and fled the scene. Surveillance captured the brazen attack and helped lead to Sonnier’s arrest.
According to court documents obtained by Fox 26, Sonnier hid in Colencia Davidson’s garage waiting for her return. When she arrived, video reportedly captured Sonnier shooting Colencia Davidson and running off. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the couple lived in an abusive relationship, and Colencia Davidson had separated from Sonnier.
Colencia Davidson’s cousin, Sandra Davidson, told KHOU she never expected the couple’s relationship to end in such a violent manner. The couple reportedly shared a relationship for more than 20 years and had nine children together.
“She loved her children,” Sandra Davidson said. “Her children were her top priority. Everything she did was for them. She was a good, positive person, laughed, got along with everybody.”
Colencia Davidson worked for the Texas Department of Corrections and recently received a promotion. She had a new lease on life and was just days away from her 40th birthday.
“She just wanted to be happy and take care of her children,” the grieving cousin said. “That’s all she wanted to do.”
Sandra Davidson just has one question for the alleged killer. “I know I’ll probably never get the answer that I want, but why?”
The heartbroken cousin created a GoFundMe to help with Colencia Davidson’s final expenses.
“A horrible act of violence claimed the life of Colencia Sade Davidson,” Sandra Davidson wrote. “She was a soul who brought light to everyone she met. Her remarkable kindness, loyalty, and willingness to always put her children’s needs before her own will be remembered forever. Our hearts are shattered, and no words can truly express the depth of our grief. Sade was a loving and devoted mother who leaves behind three young adult children and seven minor children who adored her and are struggling to cope with this heartbreaking loss.”
The fundraiser has brought in more than $10,000 of a $75,000 goal thus far.
Per KHOU, Colencia Davidson’s family is working to gain custody of her younger children, who are currently in the care of Sonnier’s relatives. Sonnier now faces murder charges and sits in jail on a $1 million bond.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women’s shelter domesticshelters.org.
