Houston Police Department > News Releases

Incident at 712 E. Tidwell

October 20, 2005 -- Charges have been filed against a suspect wanted in the aggravated assault of a man at 712 E. Tidwell on Saturday (Oct. 15).

The suspect, Jose Israel Benitez, a.k.a."Israel" (H/m, DOB 1/28/71), has been charged with aggravated assault in the 262nd State District Court and remains at-large. He is accused in the shooting of Nelson Velasquez, 50, of 13905 Bonnercrest.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant C.E. Elliott and Officer J. Sosa reported:

Jose Velasquez left home on Saturday morning driving a 1987 Toyota station wagon, en-route to his job site. His family has not heard from him since. A missing person's report was filed with the HPD on Sunday and his photo is also attached to this news release.

A witness at the job site observed Jose Benitez shoot Mr. Velasquez in the head and put his body into a red Chevrolet or GMC pickup truck and drive away. Mr. Velasquez and his vehicle are still missing. The witness has positively identified Benitez as the shooter.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the suspect or victim is asked to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-731-5335 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

NJM/MES 10/20/05
Inc #157325905

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