HOUSTON – Police are investigating the death of a man they said was beaten to death inside a northeast Houston food store with multiple people present.
Family members and police identified the victim as 46-year-old Terry Calhoun.
According to authorities, the incident happened around 11:50 p.m. at the Liberty Food Market on Liberty Road and Ralston Street.
Officers said Calhoun was at the counter inside the store when another man entered the store carrying a large metal pipe.
The man walked up to Calhoun and struck him at least once in the head, causing him to stagger backward in an attempt to get away, police said.
Authorities said the man then struck Calhoun in the head again, which caused him to collapse.
The man and two others then picked up Calhoun and carried him outside, police said.
Officers said witnesses rushed to help Calhoun.
“Some people in the neighborhood came to his aid, started CPR on him,” said HPD Detective Thomas Simmons.
Calhoun was rushed to a hospital, where he later died, authorities said.
Investigators are working to determine a motive behind the attack.
”One witness had stuck around - who didn't actually know the suspect - that he heard (Calhoun) say something about owing (the attacker) money,” Simmons said.
Though the man has not yet been identified, police released images from a surveillance camera of the attacker in hopes someone will recognize him.
Police described the attacker as a black male in his early 20s who goes by the name "Colombia."
According to authorities, the man was wearing a red, white and blue FILA jacket and is believed to be driving a gray Dodge Charger with no front license plate.
Paul Wilson, a friend of the victim, said his friend was killed over a $15 debt.
"I hate that this happened," Wilson said. "Just earlier this evening, I hugged him coming across the bridge. We met, I hugged him and I gave him $5. Who would have ever thought that would be the last time I'd see him, so its a big shock to me. I don’t feel that money is worth taking a life. Nobody should take a life over something as petty as money."
Wilson said his friend had a good heart and he is going to miss him.
"He was a well-loved gentleman in our neighborhood," Wilson said. "If he could help you, he would. If he could make you laugh, he would and if you were having a bad day, he would make you laugh. (If he were here), I would tell him how much I love him, how much I miss him, how much I wish he was here, how much I wish I could have just taken him over the bridge and none of this would have even happened."
Wilson is praying for an arrest and had a message for the killer.
"You just need to watch yourself," Wilson said. "God have mercy on your soul."
Calhoun's sister said she was planning a family picnic, now she is planning a funeral.
"He was my baby brother," said Sandra Calhoun. "I can't believe it happened. He was supposed to have a fight earlier that day, and I guess he must have knocked the guy out or whatever. I guess the guy came back and retaliated. (The attacker) needs to turn himself and do the right thing, because the streets aren't safe for him."
Police said several other potential witnesses left the scene before police arrived. Terry Calhoun is being remembered as a good man who never made trouble for anyone. “I remember him hustling. He walks around, picks up cans, clothes, helps people out, a good spirit,” Luciano Roux said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.