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Who killed Iris Santos? Police still searching for answers following fatal shooting of transgender woman in Chick-Fil-A parking lot

Iris Santos was shot to death outside of Chick-Fil-A (KPRC)

HOUSTON – Police are still searching for answers in the fatal shooting of a transgender woman outside a west Houston fast-food restaurant.

The shooting happened around 9:32 p.m. on April 23 at the Chick-Fil-A on Westheimer Road near Fondren, authorities said.

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Police said surveillance video showed the victim, Iris Santos, sitting at a picnic table outside the restaurant when she was approached by a stranger and shot multiple times.

Investigators said the manager at the restaurant heard gunshots and alerted authorities. When officers arrived, police said they found Santos suffering gunshot wounds. The 22-year-old was transported to a hospital, where she later died.

Iris Santos in this undated photo released by Houston Crime Stoppers on May 12, 2021. (Crime Stoppers of Houston)

Santos’ mother, Maria Carreon, spoke to KPRC 2 and said she found out about her daughter’s death from neighbors, two days after the incident.

Carreon said while she continues to grieve her daughter’s death, she is also hurt by the pain and violence her daughter experienced while she was alive.

According to Carreon, people would grab trash cans and throw them at Santos. After the fatal shooting, Carreon said she just wants to know why.

“Why do that? Why is my question,” Carreon said. “...I can’t believe there are people out there that are doing this to innocent people.”

Police did not say if Santos’ death was a hate crime against transgender people. Investigators released surveillance video of the man wanted in connection with the shooting and are asking for the public’s help finding him.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the suspect’s identification, charging and/or arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at Crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers app.

Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.


About the Author
Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli headshot

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.

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