May 12, 2014 - Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 4515 Airline about 4:55 a.m. on Sunday (May 11).  

The victim, Tommy Lee Thurman, 56, of Houston, was pronounced dead at the scene.  

HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officers M. Coleman, S. Straughter and T. Tyler reported:  

Mr. Thurman, along with a female passenger, drove Thurman's white sport utility vehicle into the parking lot of the America's Best Value Inn at the above address.  It is believed Thurman's vehicle was followed by a dark colored, four-door sedan type vehicle that continued on and possibly parked further down the street.  A short time later, four unknown male suspects entered the parking lot.  Three of them approached Thurman and his female passenger, who were sitting in his vehicle.  The female then saw one of the suspects produce a firearm.  

As Thurman produced a weapon of his own, the female fled on foot.  Thurman and the suspect then exchanged gunfire and the suspect fled.  Another suspect then fired his weapon several times at Thurman, who was fatally struck.  The suspect stole property from Thurman and then all four suspects fled the scene.  

The suspects are described only as four black males.  

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.  



VHS/JKS  5-12-14
Inc. #058188114