Update on Incident at 11030 Briar Forest Drive

August 9, 2006 -- Charges have been filed against three suspects in the fatal shooting of a man at 11030 Briar Forest Drive about 5:50 a.m. on August 5, 2006.

The adult male suspect, Joseph Wilson (b/m, DOB 10/20/87), is charged with aggravated robbery in the 337th State District Court. Two juvenile suspects have been arrested and charged with participating in the murder of Mr. Rolando Aguilar Rivas and they have been turned over to Harris County juvenile authorities.

Mr. Rivas, 64, of 12750 Briar Forest Drive suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Binford and Officer R. Swainson reported:

On Sunday (Aug.6), HPD officers received a call from a citizen regarding suspicious males loitering in the Wilcrest/Briarforest area. The caller viewed media reports of the murder of Mr. Rivas the night before and became suspicious of the men. Officers responded to the scene and made several arrests, which included a juvenile in possession of a gun. HPD Homicide investigators interviewed the suspects who provided statements implicating themselves in the planned robbery and murder of Mr. Rivas. All of the arrested suspects are from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mr. Rivas and his wife pulled into the car wash at 11030 Briar Forest Drive. As Rivas washed his car, four suspects approached Rivas and demanded money. Rivas refused and an argument ensued. The suspects shot Rivas multiple times and fled on foot. Neighbors describe the car wash as a crime haven frequented by young Katrina evacuees.

The investigation is continuing. Investigators are seeking others involved in the incident. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Update: NJM/MES 8/9/06
NJM 8/5/06
Inc #120780106

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division a 713-308-3200.