HOUSTON – A judge set a bond Friday at $350,000 for the suspect in a road rage shooting that left a teenager dead.
The bond was set just days after a judge revoked the initial $350,000 bond for Gerald Wayne Williams.
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Williams’ initial $350,000 bond was set Monday night. By Tuesday, it had been revoked.
ARRESTED & CHARGED: Gerald Wayne Williams is charged for his role in the July 6th murder of David Castro.#hounews https://t.co/74W22B724k pic.twitter.com/TMKEp0wQT9
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) August 3, 2021
David Castro, 17, was fatally shot in the head July 6 following a road rage incident after he and his family left an Astros game.
Williams arrived at HPD headquarters on Monday with activist Quanell X where he was charged with murder in connection with the shooting.
“He was concerned about his safety and about turning himself into law enforcement,” said X minutes after the arrest.
Williams had been on HPD’s radar early on as HPD homicide detectives told KPRC 2 Investigates that they had several interactions with him following the shooting.
“I spoke to him several times just to set up our meeting, and I spoke with him in person once,” said HPD Detective Justin Brown.
Williams was charged with murder on Friday, July 30. Investigators said his cell phone records were a key piece of evidence to pinpoint his travel history. There also was one other significant factor to this case, the vast number of tips provided to HPD.
“More tips than we’ve seen in a long time. Crime Stoppers really helped out. Everyone came together and sent us a lot of information on this case,” said Brown.
The father of the 17-year-old, Paul Castro, said in a news conference with Houston police that the safe surrender is “an answered prayer” for him and his family in their search for justice for his son.
“Prayers work,” Paul said.
Paul also expressed his gratitude for the way the community came together to help identify his son’s alleged killer.
“I understand that there were a great number of tips that came in and they came in because you all were touched by this story and you could see your own children in my son, and so, I thank you for doing that.”
Paul said he views Williams turning himself in as a lesson for society.
“I think that today just proves that love is greater than anger and hate,” said Castro.
However, while the manhunt comes to an end, Castro said there is still heartbreak surrounding the loss of his 17-year-old son David.
“There are no words in the English language, nor should there be, to describe the pain that we are going through right now.”
Williams’ peaceful surrender is exactly what Castro had hoped for.
“The fact that he safely surrendered and did not put any of the community members in jeopardy or none of the police department members in jeopardy is the answer to my prayers,” said Castro.
The shooting death has made headlines for nearly a month, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a statement Monday afternoon commending HPD and the community for collaborating and producing an arrest.
“I thank Police Chief Finner, HPD investigators, and the community for the collaboration that led to the surrender and arrest of the suspect. The constant flow of eyewitness tips, information about the vehicle, and the suspect’s description kept this crime front and center for several weeks.
“The arrest will not bring back 17-year-old David Castro, but I hope and pray that it brings comfort to his grieving family as they take a step toward justice and healing. This case is a tragic reminder that guns, road rage, and reckless behavior have deadly consequences.
“The shooting was senseless and indefensible, and we must work together to ensure that an incident like this never happens again in our City.”
