Houston Police Department
Investigators Seek to Identify Victim in 1991 Murder

June 18, 2012 - Houston police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man found deceased in the 1400 block of Gazin on August 31, 1991.


The victim is described only as a Hispanic male, 20 to 30 years of age. He had suffered multiple gunshot and stab wounds. A composite sketch of the unidentified victim is attached to this news release.

One suspect Benito Covarrubias-Ramirez (H/m, DOB: 4-4-63) is charged with murder in the 208th State District Court for his involvement in this incident. Covarrubias-Ramirez is also charged with felon in possession of a weapon in the same court and remains in the Harris County Jail. A second suspect, Alejo Ramirez-Garcia (H/m, DOB: 7-4-70) was arrested in Stilwell, Oklahoma last Thursday (June 14) and is awaiting extradition back to Houston. Ramirez-Garcia is charged with murder in the 182nd State District Court for his involvement in this incident.

A photo of suspect Covarrubias-Ramirez is attached to this news release.

Benito Covarrubias Ramirez Unidentified Victim

HPD Homicide Division Officers M. Burrow and C. Cardenas reported:

The body of an unidentified Hispanic male was found dumped in a field at 1400 Gazin on Aug. 31, 1991. He had been shot and stabbed. An investigation was opened and, at that time, all possible leads were exhausted. The case was reviewed in May 2012 and information was developed, as well as witness statements that identified Covarrubias-Ramirez and Ramirez-Garcia as suspects in this case. Both suspects have admitted to their involvement in this incident.

Anyone with information on the identity of the victim is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

VHS/JKS 6-18-12
Inc. #092813891

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