The lawyer for the man who shot and killed a robber at a southwest Houston taqueria last week made a statement on behalf of his client on Wednesday.
Unidentified Gunman
According to the statement, the gunman wants to remain unidentified. It describes what took place at the restaurant and what can be seen on security footage taken inside the establishment during the robbery and shooting.
They continue by saying that they expect a grand jury will also come to the same decision that the shooting was justifiable.
The statement also provides some insight into the current emotions of the man who shot the thief.
The statement, made by Juan L. Guerra Jr., said: “This occurrence has been incredibly painful; taking a human life is something he does not take lightly and will burden him for the rest of his life.”
Since the incident, HPD investigators have been searching for the guy, subsequently identified as 30-year-old Eric Eugene Washington, who was seen on security footage shooting the robber.
The client departed the area after the incident. Authorities said they wanted to speak with him right away to get his side of the tale.
An attorney claiming to represent the client stated that on Sunday, his client contacted HPD and indicated that he was prepared to speak. The man spoke with detectives on Monday. According to the authorities, homicide detectives questioned the 46-year-old male. His name was kept a secret, and he wasn’t detained or prosecuted.
According to HPD, a grand jury will hear the case to decide whether or not charges should be brought.
Police also intend to interrogate any diners who were there that evening. Houston police are asking anybody with knowledge about the incident to contact them.
Details of Incident
The event took place soon before midnight. at Ranchito Taqueria on S. on Thursday. Gessner close to Bellaire Blvd.
According to the police, a masked, armed guy entered the eatery and demanded cash and wallets from the patrons. One of the patrons pulled out a revolver as he was leaving and shot the guy many times.
After the gunshot, the same customer recovered the stolen money from the robber and gave it to the other clients, authorities said.
The rest of the diners departed the area before the cops arrived, according to the authorities.
Later, according to police, the robber lacked a genuine firearm.
“The burglary suspect” wore gloves and masks when he entered the store, according to HPD Lt. Wilkens. He was carrying a plastic gun, probably an aero soft or a little BB gun.
Other Reports, Legal Expert Says
Although the shooting seemed to be in self-defense, KHOU Legal Analyst Carmen Roe said she understood why police wanted to speak with the gunman.
Roe stated that one of the reasons why law enforcement is looking for this person is to determine whether he was in fear for his life or the lives of those around him. “If you’re justified in shooting the first bullet, you’re justified in continuing to shoot until the deadly threat is no longer there,” Roe said.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office employs Nathan Beedle. He said that Texas law identifies particular circumstances relating to aggravated robbery, or robbery by threat, when the use of lethal force is believed to be justifiable.
