October 30, 2023 - Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested in the fatal shooting of a man that occurred at 3528 Southmore Boulevard about 11:10 p.m. on October 15.

The suspects, Demetrius Marquise Veal, 21, and Dajhun Demarcus Barber, 23, are charged in the 232nd State District Court. Veal is charged with murder and Barber is charged with tampering with evidence. Booking photos of both suspects are attached to this news release.

They are accused in the killing of Marco Escayola, 26.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant N. Miyako and Detective C. Bowling reported:

Officers responded to a report of a shooting call at a motel at the above address and found Mr. Escayola unresponsive on the second floor balcony. Responding Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced him deceased at the scene.

Detectives learned Escayola met with a suspect, described only as a black male, and they began fighting. During the fight, the suspect pulled a gun and shot him. The suspect then fled the scene is an unknown direction.

Further investigation identified Veal and Barber as suspects in this case and charges were subsequently filed on them. Members of the HPD South Gessner Patrol Division's Crime Suppression Team arrested both suspects without incident last Thursday (Oct. 26).