January 12, 2024 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a woman at 6420 Stratton Street about 1:00 a.m. on June 18, 2023.

The suspect, Eduardo Melendez, 20, is charged with murder in the 209th State District Court. A booking photo of Melendez is attached to this news release.

The victim is identified as Joann Cruz, 28.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives K. Fregia, G. Zavala, E. May and C. Sharp reported:  

Ms. Cruz and several family members were outside their residence at the above address when a vehicle, described only as a dark blue or purple sedan and possibly an Infinity, drove by the residence several times.  The last time the vehicle drove by, an unknown suspect(s) fired shots from inside the vehicle and Cruz was struck.  

Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported her to Ben Taub General Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.  

Further investigation identified Melendez as the shooter in this incident. He was subsequently charged and arrested on Thursday (Jan. 11).


Eduardo Melendez




SOA/JKS     1-12-24
VHS/SOA   6-20-23
Inc. #086448323