April 17, 2025 – Houston, TX
Eddie Miller, 22, has been convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 ambush killing of Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Kareem Atkins. The verdict was delivered Thursday by a Harris County jury after less than two hours of deliberation, concluding a 21-day trial.
The fatal shooting occurred on October 16, 2021, outside the 45 Norte Bar and Lounge on Houston’s North Freeway. Deputy Atkins, along with Deputies Darrell Garrett and Juqaim Barthen, were working an off-duty security job when they responded to a reported disturbance. As they attempted to detain a suspect, Miller emerged from behind a vehicle armed with an AR-15-style rifle and opened fire.
Deputy Atkins, 30, was killed in the attack. Deputy Garrett sustained critical injuries, resulting in paralysis, while Deputy Barthen was shot in the foot and later returned to duty.
During the trial, prosecutors emphasized that the deputies were clearly identifiable as law enforcement officers, wearing vests marked “constable.” Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Rogers stated, “They never had a chance,” highlighting the suddenness and severity of the attack.
Following the verdict, Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman expressed hope that the outcome would bring some comfort to Atkins’ family, acknowledging the pain they’ve endured over the past four years.
Miller, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, has been in custody since his arrest in December 2021. He was apprehended in Richmond, Texas, and charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, and aggravated assault.
Deputy Atkins had served with the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office since January 2019 and had recently returned from paternity leave at the time of his death.
The conviction brings a measure of closure to a case that deeply affected the law enforcement community and the public. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Houston Police Department were commended for their diligent work in bringing Miller to justice.
On October 16, 2021 Constable Kareem Atkins was murdered during an ambush attack in the parking lot of a Sports Bar while on duty in Houston, Texas. Constable Kareem had just recently returned to the Harris County Constable’s Office from paternity leave and was only 30 years old.
Atkins was a caring husband and new father, and known for being a loving and funny man. He is remembered as the life of the party at all family gatherings, and made sure everyone was always laughing.
Atkins and his wife had recently welcomed their second child before his life was cut tragically short. Constable Kareem Atkins is survived by his wife, Nadia Aweineh, daughter, Adalynn and son, Aiden.