HOUSTON – At least two people were killed and seven others were injured in a drive-by shooting in north Harris County neighborhood Friday night, according to the Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
At about 9:30 p.m. Friday, Gonzalez said a group of Hispanic men in their early 20s were filming a rap music video near the 500 block of Smart Street, which is near the North Freeway and West Gulf Bank. The men were filming in the parking lot of an office park that is surrounded by homes.
Shooters drove by and “ambushed” the group, Gonzalez said. The unknown suspects fled the scene in a vehicle. It’s unclear what the make or model of the vehicle was.
There were two places where people were shot. At the 500 block of Smart Street, there were four people who were shot. Two of the victims were pronounced dead and two others were taken to the hospital. One of the victims was in critical condition.
The second scene was around the corner on Berwyn Drive, where two more victims were injured in the gunfire.
Update: we now believe the number of gunshot victims to be at least 8. A group of Hispanic males (in their 20s) were filming a music video in the parking lot when unknown suspects possibly drove by and opened fire on the group. #HouNews https://t.co/f0AtkS4Ayf
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 28, 2019
On Saturday, authorities identified Gonzalo Gonzalez, 20, and Jonathan Jimenez, 22, as the victims killed in the shooting.
Gonzalez was a student at the University of Houston. His mother Gloria Gonzalez said her son had a passion for photography and videography. Gonzales was a Summerwood resident who graduated from Summer Creek High School in 2017.
“All who knew him would agree that he was a great young man that had so much to offer to this world,” said Gloria Gonzalez, “Gonzalo was a true blessing in everyone’s life!”
Sheriff Gonzalez said there were so many shots fired that it was possible there were more gunshot victims who left the scene to go to the hospital. Deputies canvassed the neighborhood to ensure there were no stray bullets that entered homes.
It is unclear what the shooters’ motive was, Gonzalez said. There was some “firearms evidence” found at the scene but officials had yet to do an inventory as of midnight Saturday. Officials also didn’t have information about who the performers were in the music video.
If anyone who lives nearby has surveillance footage that might aid the investigation, Gonzalez asks that you contact HCSO at 713-221-6000.
Anyone with information about this shooting is urged to submit an anonymous tip on the Crime Stoppers hotline at 713-222-TIPS.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.