POLICE Department

Update: Suspects Arrested, Charged in Man's Death at 5025 South Acres

February 16, 2017 - Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested in the death of a man found at 5025 South Acres about 12:25 a.m. on March 6, 2016.  

One suspect, Jason Gates (b/m, 36), is charged with capital murder in the 183rd State District Court.  The second suspect, Mercedes Angel McDonald (b/f, 27), is charged with murder in the 179th State District Court.  Both suspects are accused in the death of  Tony Iwu, 58, of Houston.   

Photos of both suspects are attached to this news release.  

HPD Homicide Division Officers C. Hogue and W. Gilbert reported:

Residents contacted authorities after observing a fire at the above address.  Upon arrival, Houston firefighters observed a mid-size pickup truck fully engulfed in flames.  After extinguishing the fire, firefighters found the victim (Mr. Iwu) lying in the bed of the truck.  

Further investigation identified Gates and McDonald as suspects in this case.  McDonald was taken into custody on April 1, 2016 and remains in the Harris County jail.  Gates was subsequently charged, however, he fled the state and his whereabouts were unknown.  

Additional investigation developed information on Gates' whereabouts.  He was taken into custody in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, on January 25 by the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force and Louisiana law enforcement.  He is currently awaiting extradition back to Houston.