August 4, 2023 - Charges have been filed against two suspects wanted in the fatal shooting of a child at 4905 Denmark Street about 12:30 p.m. on December 3, 2022.

The suspects, Rufus Leo King, 37, and Latasha Nicole Thompson, 38, are charged with tampering with evidence in the 248th State District Court. Thompson is also charged with misdemeanor firearm accessibility to a child in Harris County Criminal Court #11. A 2022 booking photo of King and a 2019 booking photo of Thompson are attached to this news release.

The victim is identified as Mateen King, 5.

HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division Detectives L. Thornton and D. Spears reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call at the above address and were advised Mateen was transported to a nearby hospital by private vehicle. Doctors pronounced him deceased on Dec. 12, 2022.

During the investigation, officers learned Mateen and an 8-year-old male gained access to a firearm that was located inside the residence. Mateen was accidently shot by the 8-year-old.

Further investigation identified King and Thompson, Mateen's parents, as suspects in this incident and they were subsequently charged on July 16.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rufus Leo King and Latasha Nicole Thompson or in this case is urged to contact the HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division at 713-308-8800 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.