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Missing pregnant woman found dead after mysterious Texas disappearance

By Alexandra Koch

Published April 16, 2026

Fox News
Texas father speaks out after discovery of missing pregnant daughter's body Video

The family of a 23-year-old Texas woman who vanished while eight months pregnant confirmed she was found dead Thursday in southwest Houston.

Ashanti Allen, who had a high-risk pregnancy, disappeared Friday after leaving her home, according to a report from affiliate FOX 26 Houston.

Police said a body was found Thursday, which Allen's family confirmed was hers, according to the outlet.

Allen's father, Edward, told reporters he has been numb ever since learning his daughter's fate.

Police searched the area where a body was found in Houston on Thursday.

Police searched the area where a body was found in Houston on Thursday. (KRIV)

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"We [were] hoping for the best, but now we've heard the worst," Edward Allen said. "I don't think I even processed the fact that my daughter is gone. ... I love my baby girl. Only girl, my baby girl. And then she had my only baby grandson."

He said the 23-year-old graduated from community college and was working at a hospital.

Ashanti Allen

Family members confirmed the body found Thursday was identified as missing expecting mother Ashanti Allen. (KRIV)

"Her life was going somewhere," Edward Allen said. "She expecting a baby. I mean, she had baby clothes. I was about to go buy a car seat and stroller and all this other stuff. I mean, she's just a normal girl, pretty girl, working and trying to live life."

He added that he believes his daughter was kidnapped before her death.

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Video taken at the scene showed authorities scouring a taped-off area, seemingly looking for evidence.

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Edward Allen pleaded with the public to call the police if they have any information about what happened to his daughter.

No arrests had been reported as of Thursday afternoon.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

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