Houston Police Department

December 27, 2005 -- Houston police are asking for the public's help in identifying as many as three suspects involved in the fatal shooting of one person and the wounding of another that occurred on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 in the 5000 block of Dumfries around 11:10 p.m.

According to HPD Homicide Division Sergeant L. Flores and Officer T.R. Cunningham, 16-year-old Jonothan Finkelman, of 4614 Holt and 15-year-old Warren Payne, of 5508 Grand Lake, met with two unknown suspects to complete a drug transaction in Finkelman's car. During the transaction, one of the suspects produced a handgun and demanded Finkelman and Paynes personal property. A struggle ensued and Finkleman was shot once in the left side of the head. Payne got out of the car and was shot once in the abdomen as he ran through Godwin Park.

Both Payne and Finkleman were transported to Ben Taub General Hospital. Finkelman was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Payne is listed in critical but guarded condition. Investigators learned that there was a third suspect that remained outside the car during the transaction. It's believed that suspect also fired two shots at Payne from a shotgun but missed. There is no description of the third suspect.

The two suspects in the car during the drug transaction are described as black males between 20 to 25 years old. The first suspect has a skinny build and the second suspect is described as heavy set. They were seen fleeing in two cars. The first was a dark colored car, possibly a Chevrolet Malibu with tinted windows. The second vehicle is an unknown gold car with dark tinted windows.

Anyone with information about this incident or the suspects is asked to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

AW/ MES 12-28-05
Inc # 195111805-f

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