Houston Police Department

November 21, 2005 -- Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 6909 Atwell about 5:45 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 20).

The victim is identified as Jose Manuel Lara, 54, of 6600 Bellaire Apt 112-H. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Ben Taub General Hospital.

HPD Homicide Division Officers K. Carr and T. Huffstedler reported:

Mr. Lara and his wife had shopped at the meat market at 6909 Atwell and were walking from the front door of the store to their vehicle when three suspects approached them. Two of the suspects ran up to Lara from behind as he attempted to enter his vehicle while the third suspect stood watch and pointed a gun at Lara. When the suspect pointed the gun in Lara's stomach and demanded his car keys, a struggle ensued and witnesses heard one gunshot followed by two more shots several moments later. Witnesses saw one suspect run through the parking lot of the store and jump a fence to an apartment complex. The other two suspects ran toward Edgemore Street and then south on Renwick.

The suspects are described as three Hispanic males in their late teens to early 20s. One suspect is about 5 feet 8 inches tall and was wearing an untucked brown and tan checkered shirt. Another suspect is described only as being about 5 feet 4 inches tall.

Moments prior to the shooting, one of the suspects was seen approaching a woman and then an ice cream vendor in the same parking lot. It's believed that same suspect attempted to rob the vendor.

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.

JFC/RMM 11-21-05
Inc #175924505

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