Man accused in stabbing death of 11-year-old boy captured

HOUSTON – Hundreds gathered Wednesday afternoon for a march and vigil honoring an 11-year-old boy stabbed to death while walking home from school.

Police and family members said Josue Flores, 11, was stabbed to death Tuesday afternoon while walking home from Marshal Middle School. 

Che Calhoun, 31, was captured without incident Wednesday afternoon by U.S. marshals in southeast Houston. He was charged with murder in the case. 

Police said Josue was walking down Fulton near James when Calhoun, walking in the opposite direction, suddenly crossed the street and repeatedly stabbed the boy.

Sgt. Tommy Ruland said the attack was "unprovoked." Investigators have not identified a motive.

According to METRO, Calhoun was involved in a fight Monday around 6 p.m. at 2100 North Main Street. Officers tired to arrest him and he resisted. Officers then used a Tazer. After the second attempt, Calhoun fell but jumped up and ran, METRO said. METRO called in the Houston Police Department K-9 unit to help in a search but were unable to locate Calhoun.

[WATCH THE METRO VIDEO]

Wednesday, dozens of people started a march outside Josue’s school in honor of his life. Hundreds joined in as the group wound their way through the streets of north Houston.

"Northside stands together whenever it comes to a tragedy like this," an organizer said.

They made their way to a memorial of candles, balloons and stuffed animals, where they held a vigil.  It is the spot where Josue was stabbed multiple times and died. A 31-year-old man is in jail, charged with his stabbing death.

Amid the prayers offered at the vigil were calls for justice, tears that were shed, and parents, like Maria Mendoza, who are still trying to explain to their children how this could've happened.

"It's hard," said Mendoza. "It's hard to tell a 12-year-old that her friend is gone."

"It could be anyone's child here. Anybody's child," said Salvador Ruiz, who attended the vigil. "It's not just them. It's for the next child. We're talking about justice for everyone."

Josue's family told Channel 2 that a private businessman has offered to pay for all funeral expenses for Josue's family.

Police said several witnesses heard loud screaming and saw a man struggling with Josue. Josue collapsed on the grass near the sidewalk and the man ran, police said.

Josue was taken with multiple stab wounds to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The senseless killing has left Josue's family and friends heartbroken.

“He fought ‘til the last second. He fought. He didn't give up,” sister Guadalupe Flores said.

Flores' family has set up a GoFundMe account.

A day later, the arrest of his accused murderer brought hope.

“It feels too good to be true that they caught him that fast so I really do hope it is him,” Guadalupe Flores said. "I just hope he does his time and he finds God and he repents for what he did.”

KPRC's Cathy Hernandez asked Guadalupe Flores, “What do you hope he tells investigators?”

“That he did do it and least that he's sorry. (That he) shows some kind of compassion,” said Guadalupe Flores.

At the intersection of Fulton and James, community members showed support with balloons, flowers and stuffed animals.

“He was such a loving boy. Never wanted to hurt anybody. He wanted to go to school. He was so focused,” said Guadalupe Flores.

Strangers stopped to honor the boy.

“It doesn't matter what race it is. It's an 11-year-old. This is a senseless crime,” Shabezz Brown said.

Despite cruelty of the crime, the Flores family wants justice and not the accused killer’s life.

“It's not in my heart to do it. I don't wish death on anybody, even though it was done to my little brother, you can't fight fire with fire,” Guadalupe Flores said.

"He was in sixth grade," said Flores' sister, Sofia Flores. "He wanted to be a doctor, he wanted to help people."

Sofia Flores, 16, said her brother had no enemies and was only two blocks from home when he was attacked.

"Everyone liked him," said Flores.

The boy's brother-in-law, Isidro Barrera, also struggled to understand why Josue would become a target.

"He don't have a phone, he didn't own an iPad, a laptop, anything. The only electronic he ever had was provided by the school," said Barrera.

The Houston Independent School District released the following statement Wednesday:

"HISD was notified that a Marshall Middle School student was stabbed to death off campus Tuesday after school. The Houston Police Department is investigating. Extra HISD police officers have been assigned to patrol the school area as a precautionary measure. This is an incredibly sad time for the school. We extend our support and sympathy to the family and friends of this student, as well as the school community. Additional counselors will be at the school Wednesday to provide support to students and staff."

HISD police said extra officers been assigned to patrol the school area Wednesday as a precautionary measure. 

Additional counselors were on hand at Marshal Middle School for students and staff in need.