December 20, 2011 - Houston police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a college student at 3560 Dixie Drive about 2:35 a.m. on Sunday (Dec. 18).

Hao Huynh, 22, of Houston, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

At a news briefing today (Tuesday, Dec. 20), Homicide Division Sergeant J.C. Padilla explained HPD patrol officers had responded to a loud noise complaint at the Catalina Village Apartments at the above location when they heard gunshots. While investigating, they were notified by a dispatcher of a person down call near one of the apartment buildings. The officers then discovered Mr. Huynh deceased in a courtyard.

Sgt. Padilla said Huynh was apparently killed during a robbery. Huynh was returning home from a party and was carrying a black and purple backpack containing his wallet and a change of clothes, as well as a distinctive silver shopping bag that appears to change colors when photographed. A photo of a similar shopping bag is attached to this release. Also taken during the robbery was a red pillow with the name "Kathy," a black pillow, and a white hooded sweatshirt. Photos of similar items are also included in this news release.

The suspect is described only as a black male in his late 20s or early 30s with a medium build and armed with a semi-automatic pistol. He's believed to have fled in a white Chevrolet Malibu or Impala, possibly with custom rims or mag wheels. A still photo of the suspect vehicle is attached to this release. Video of the suspect vehicle can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgfzYMUCXYM

"This homicide is a tragedy," said Sgt. Padilla. "The Huynh family has lost an intelligent young man with a bright future. He was a senior at the University of Houston who wanted to become a biology professor. Now his dreams will never materialize," Sgt. Padilla added.

"We were vey close," said Huynh's sister, Truc Huynh. "He was very patient with people and very kind. He was very silly too, which is something I'm going to miss," she added. "He was very strong," Truc said. "He worked out a lot because he wanted to defend me, my family, his girlfriend and other people. As it turns out, he's the one who needed defending."

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.

Update: KJS/JFC 12-20-11
JFC/KJS 12-19-11
Inc. # 162489111