Update on Fatal Shooting Investigation at 7800 East Erath

July 2, 2008 - The fatal shooting of a man at 7800 East Erath about 3:40 a.m. on April 27 will be referred to a Harris County Grand Jury.

The victim, Roberto Sandoval Hernandez, 32, of Houston, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he later died.

A suspect involved in this incident, Saul Pena (H/m, DOB: 5-23-87), is charged with felon in possession of a firearm in the 263rd State District Court.

HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officers R. Swainson and A. Mares reported:

Mr. Hernandez, his brother and friends drove to a residence in the 7800 block of Erath to pick up and return his brother’s girlfriend to her residence. When they arrived, Hernandez’s brother exited their vehicle, approached and knocked on the front door, yelling out for his girlfriend to come outside. A male inside the residence answered the door and advised Hernandez’s brother that his girlfriend was no longer there. The brother turned around, walked towards the vehicle and yelled for Hernandez to go to the ground because the persons in the residence had guns and were about to start shooting. Hernandez, who was also armed, began to shoot in the direction of the residence after those inside shot at his brother. Hernandez was struck during the exchange of gunfire and fell into a nearby ditch. He was placed into their vehicle and his brother and friends fled to their own residence, where paramedics were called.

Last Saturday (June 28), HPD patrol officers conducted a traffic stop in the 8100 block of the South Loop East (610 South) and identified Pena as one of the persons in the vehicle. Further investigation determined Pena was wanted by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office for traffic violations.
Pena was interviewed by officers to determine his role in the shooting incident on 7800 East Erath and it was determined he was in possession of a firearm and discharged it during the shooting. Pena stated that after the shooting, he fled the scene and disposed of the weapon.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information regarding other suspects in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Update: VHS/JFC
GO/JFC 4-28-08
Inc #061486608

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