Man wanted in deadly Southside shooting spree arrested after short chase, police say

HOUSTON – The man arrested on Thursday in connection to a triple-homicide has been charged with murder and capital murder, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Sean Teare, with the District Attorney’s Office, said Joshua Kelsey, 35, could be facing life without parole or the death penalty after he allegedly shot four men on Wednesday night, killing three of them.

The first shooting was reported about 8:15 p.m. in the 14200 block of Bridgeport Road near Danfield Drive. Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Troy Finner said Kelsey, met with two men at that location. After an altercation, Kelsey shot both men, Finner said.

The victims were rushed to the hospital where one was pronounced dead and the other was taken into surgery, Finner said.

Police said Kelsey stole the victims’ car and drove to a home in the 5230 block of Kelling Street about three miles away. About 8:36 p.m., police said Kelsey forced his way into the home and shot a man in his 60s. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The third shooting took place just after 9 p.m. at a home in the 13500 block of Hooper Road near Almeda Genoa Road. Finner said Kelsey walked into the home and shot a man in his late 40s. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police said they believe Kelsey knew all the victims and that the shooting spree was drug-related.

Suspect’s long criminal history

Kelsey has a lengthy criminal background, according to documents from the clerk of courts.

Joe Gamaldi, president of the Houston Police Officer’s Union, said Kelsey was only out of jail, due to a plea deal offered by the DA’s office.

“He was out free when he shouldn’t have been,” Gamaldi said. “And now, three people are dead, dead!”

According to Gamaldi, Kelsey has six past felony convictions. His latest conviction was possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

“With the enhancements that were already in place, he should have been looking at 2 to 20 years,” Gamaldi said. “Instead, he got six months and he actually got time served for about 140 of those days, so he only did 40 days of jail.”

KPRC 2 reached out to the DA’s office to find out why the habitual offender was offered a plea deal. According to Teare, the office stands by the decision.

“We’re dealing with limited resources for the judges, limited resources for the courtrooms, limited resources at the DA’s office,” Teare said. “We don’t have crystal balls. There’s no way that anyone would envision that someone who doesn’t typically have a violent past is going to commit this horrific murder spree.”

According to Teare, Kelsey could be facing additional charges.

Watch Finner’s full press briefing below: