Employee at family-owned car dealership fatally shot after argument with customers over pricing

HOUSTON – An employee at Star Motor Company was fatally shot after getting into a fight with two customers during a vehicle transaction in southeast Houston on Monday, according to the Houston Police Department.

Officers responded to the family-owned business in the 10600 block of Fuqua Street near Beamer Road around 1:25 p.m. and found a man shot to death.

The owners’ adult son, who police said was in his 20s or 30s, died in the business parking lot. The two suspects are still on the run.

The victim’s parents were at the business and saw the shooting happen, police said.

“He’s been working with his dad since he was young, so he always helped his dad,” said Rimon Khazen, a family member. “He was like an angel. He never cursed, he never harmed anybody. He was a good guy. I never seen him doing anything wrong.”

During an argument related to pricing with two customers outside of the used car and repair shop, police said one of the customers started a physical fight. The other took out a gun and shot the employee twice.

“He had an argument with customers over a vehicle transaction,” HPD Homicide Commander Christopher Hassig said. “Unfortunately, it got way out of hand and ultimately led to this person’s death.”

Both suspects took off, which put Pasadena ISD’s Morris Middle School on lockdown for more than an hour. The school is located across the street from the car business.

“We have no reason to believe that the suspect, at this time, entered anywhere near the school,” Hassig said.

The lockdown was later lifted and school activities resumed.

Police said they spoke with several witnesses and reviewed surveillance video.

“I wish that never happened to him,” Khazen said. “The only thing we can do is just pray for him.”

An investigation is underway and authorities are asking people to call them at 713 308-3600 if they have any information about the shooting.