Houston Police Department

May 21, 2005 -- Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 8601 Winkler #36 about 10 p.m. on Thursday (May 19).

The identity of the deceased male is pending notification to next of kin and an autopsy by the Harris County Medical Examiner's office. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was s pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Torres and Officers A. Mares and K. Carr reported:

The deceased male was living in an apartment at 8601 Winkler, which was not leased to him. The shooting occurred outside in a courtyard where several Hispanic males were drinking and barbecuing in front of apartment #36. Investigators believe suspects in an illegal immigrant smuggling operation were using this apartment and a dispute between smugglers resulted in one smuggler shooting and killing the other. The deceased victim is believed to be the main organizer in smuggling operations at this location.

There were three individuals found inside of the apartment that claimed to have been held against their will, pending payment to the smugglers for having smuggled them into the United States.

An individual who witnessed the shooting describes the suspect as a Hispanic male with a possible last name of Francisco Solis. The suspect fled the scene in a green 1996 Dodge Ram pickup truck bearing Texas License Plate #58MPF1.

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/JFC
5/21/05
Inc#077093705Q

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