HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston Police Department stood side by side with the family of 14-year-old Axel Turcios, who was shot to death on May 6, to make a public plea to help identify the suspects involved.
What happened
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Turcios was in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 9500 block of Ella Lee Lane around 8:10 p.m. when he was approached by two unknown men, who opened fire on him.
Police believe the suspects then took an item from the victim, then fled the scene in a dark-colored Chrysler PT Cruiser, traveling northbound on Tanglewilde Street. Paramedics transported Axel to the hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Axel’s father, Aster Turcios, told KPRC 2 that, on the day of the shooting, Axel went with his friends to a fast food restaurant after school, then arrived home shortly after 6 p.m.
The father and son spent some time together cleaning up, then Axel left around 7:45 p.m. to visit his aunt.
Minutes later, an apartment maintenance man told them he thought their son had been shot.
The parents ran to their son, and his mother rode with him in the ambulance. His father also had a chance to be with his son before he took his last breath.
The family said Axel was a ninth-grader at Lamar High School.
Reward increases and the family’s plea to find suspects
In addition to Crime Stoppers’ reward of $5,000, businessman Tilman Fertitta offered $20,000 for information that will lead to an arrest in this case, Turner announced at Thursday’s press conference.
“We want to find these individuals who did this, we want to hold them accountable and we fully understand that it should not have happened to Axel and we don’t want this to happen to any other person in this city,” Turner said.
“We’re standing with them and we’re going to find these suspects,” HPD Chief Finner said. “I’m asking that all of our citizens, and I’ve said it before, even the neighborhood has rules ... it’s a 14-year-old kid, an innocent kid, his whole life ahead of him. Lamar High School student. It’s senseless, this makes no sense.”
During the press conference, Aster Turcios said he is very thankful and grateful for the love his family has received during these difficult times. He said there is no hatred in his heart and continues to ask for help in finding the suspects. He said his son never got the opportunity to have a future.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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