A robbery that preceded a fatal gas station shooting has now been revealed by Houston Police that the event was staged in an elaborate effort to obtain a U nonimmigrant visa.
William Xavier Winfrey is currently being held in custody and faces felony murder charges in connection with the case. According to the arrest affidavit, Winfrey directed Rasshauud Scott to simulate an aggravated robbery which led to Scott’s death during the commission of the staged crime.
SEE ALSO: Should the man who shot, killed NW Houston gas station robbery suspect face charges?
Police also believe Winfrey is allegedly involved with fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents.
The fatal gas shooting was first reported in January in northwest Houston. Initial reports indicated that Scott, the alleged robber, was collaborating with the victims to orchestrate a fake crime.
According to police reports, the incident occurred Jan. 27 at a Chevron gas station. Initial reports indicated a witness, parked in front of the gas station, saw what appeared to be an armed robber and fatally shot Scott as he attempted to flee the gas station.
Police believe the motive was to leverage their status as crime victims to apply for a U nonimmigrant visa, known as a “U visa.”
Investigations revealed that the robbery was part of a larger scheme involving insurance and immigration fraud. The charging documents indicate that not only was the robbery staged, but several other similar incidents occurred across the area, implicating multiple individuals, including store clerks.
Winfrey’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 8.
SEE ALSO: Convicted felon accused of kidnapping N. Harris County park-goer for trip to ATM, sexual assault