June 3, 2022 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a man that occurred at 6909 Eastex Freeway (North U.S. Highway 59) service road about 2:30 p.m. on May 18.

The suspect, Michael Anthony Ruiz, 32, is charged with murder in the 178th State District Court. He is accused in the death of James South, 36.

A 2021 booking photo of Ruiz is attached to this news release.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Watson and Detective R. Waterwell reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call at a motel at the above address. They found the victim, later identified as Mr. South, suffering from multiple gunshots on the stairway. Paramedics transported South to an area hospital where doctors pronounced him deceased.

At that time, there was no known motive or suspect(s).

Further investigation identified Ruiz as the suspect in this case and he was subsequently charged. Detectives learned Ruiz was booked into the Polk County Jail on an unrelated charge on May 23. He is now awaiting extradition to the Harris County Jail.