A pediatrician in Conroe, Texas, was fatally stabbed at a picnic table outside her home on Saturday. It is believed to have been a hate crime. Dr. Talat Jehan Khan, 52, was sitting in the common area of the Alys Apartment Complex when she was attacked by Miles Fridrich at around 12:30 p.m. Witnesses stated that Fridrich came out of nowhere and attacked her in front of neighbors and children. Another witness, Matthew Amador, heard the children screaming and rushed outside with his sword and phone.
Fridrich was seen checking Khan’s pulse before stabbing her multiple times. He then ran away when confronted by Amador. Police arrested Fridrich shortly afterwards. The motive for the attack has not been disclosed, and it is unclear whether it is being investigated as a hate crime. However, the Council on American-Islamic Relations is closely monitoring the case.
Khan, a devout Muslim who recently moved to Texas, worked at Texas Children’s Pediatrics. Her family describes her as deeply loving and kind. They are devastated by their unexpected loss. Fridrich is currently held at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office on one count of first-degree murder.
The Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney have not yet commented on the incident.
Rebecca Rosenberg is a journalist and author specializing in crime and criminal justice. She can be reached at [email protected] and @ReRosenberg.