Houston Police Department > News Releases

Incident at 5621 Westward

December 17, 2005 -- Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 5621 Westward about 8:45 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 16).

The victim is identified as Desmond Hamilton, 17, of 4634 N. Rippleridge. He suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J.T. Wyers and Officer T.S. Tyler reported:

HPD officers responded to a shooting call at 6700 Bellaire and determined the actual location to be 5621 Westward. The victim, Desmond Hamilton, was a passenger in the second of two vehicles attempting to enter a gated apartment complex. The driver of the vehicle occupied by Hamilton blew his horn at the suspect's vehicle (vehicle #1) because he was taking too long to enter. A Hispanic male exited vehicle #1 and fired several shots into the victim's vehicle striking Hamilton.

Hamilton was originally transported to Twelve Oaks Hospital, a non-trauma medical facility, by private vehicle. HPD paramedics responded to Twelve Oaks and transported him to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Witnesses describe the suspect as a Hispanic male, 21-27 years of age with black hair, sideburns and a goatee. He fled the scene driving a 1996-2000 white Toyota 4-runner.

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.

NJM 12/17/05
Inc #189445105

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.