Houston Police Department

September 12, 2005 -- Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a woman at 6200 West Tidwell on September 11, 2005 about 8:15 p.m.

The victim, Hortencia Vargas, 43, of 6200 West Tidwell #805 suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect is identified as Jose Luis Mendiola (H/m DOB: 9-15-52). He was seen leaving in a mid to late 90s model, maroon Mercury Sable, four-door vehicle with paper dealer plates.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants R. Torres and J. Roberts reported:

Witnesses observed Mendiola come home and go inside the apartment where he resides with his girlfriend, Ms. Vargas, and her two children. Mendiola went back outside to take out the trash, and stopped to speak with neighbors. Mendiola planned to go back inside for some beer and go back out to drink with his neighbors. As he was walking back out to socialize, somebody pulled him back inside, and witnesses began hearing yelling and arguing. Witnesses also heard what sounded like slapping and, shortly after, a gunshot. The witnesses observed Mendiola casually walk out of the apartment carrying a chrome revolver, and drive away in a hurry.

Anyone with information in the whereabouts of suspect Jose Luis Mendiola is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

JGA/ JFC 9-12-05
Inc#139331405

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