Suspects Arrested, Charged in Fatal Shooting at 7600 Dashwood

August 28, 2009 - Charges have been filed against nine suspects in the fatal shooting of a man at 7600 Dashwood about 2:15 a.m. on March 29.

The male suspects are identified as Eric Victoriano Hernandez (H/m, DOB: 7-10-88), Irvin Orlando Mejia (H/m, DOB: 6-5-89), Rodney Mejia (H/m, DOB: 11-12-91), Francisco Alex Lara (H/m, DOB: 1-18-88), Erick Rodriguez (H/m, DOB: 6-24-88), Milton Rosario Chica Sorto (H/m, DOB: 2-8-79), Juan Nolasco (H/m, DOB: 3-27-86), Walter Sanchez (H/m, DOB: 8-18-88) and one juvenile male, 16.  The adults are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity in the 262nd State District Court.  The only suspect not in custody is Francisco Lara, who has a tattoo of “Alex” on his right arm and a tattoo of “Lara” on his left arm.  His photo is attached to this news release.

All of the above suspects are accused in the killing of Joel Martinez, 22, of Houston, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head.  He was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital where he died from his injuries on June 6.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants J. Brooks, M. Dillingham and Senior Police Officers M. Waters and R. Swainson reported:

Officers were dispatched to a shooting call and saw Mr. Martinez in the parking lot with an obvious head wound.  Witnesses on the scene initially told officers Martinez was beaten by a group of Hispanic males.  Homicide investigators determined Martinez left a nearby nightclub with two females when he was approached by a large group of males.  He was attacked, beaten and eventually shot by the group.  The male suspects then fled.

Further investigation revealed that Martinez was targeted due to the colors of the clothing he was wearing, known to be those of a rival group.  However, investigators found no indications Martinez was affiliated with any group and was mistakenly targeted by the suspects.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of suspect Francisco Alex Lara is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

At 1:30 p.m. TODAY (Friday, Aug. 28), an investigator will be available to answer questions in this case in the media briefing room on the first floor of HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis.

JFC/VHS
Inc #044702709

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