Houston Police Department

June 9, 2006 -- Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a juvenile male at 10500 Stover about 3:45 p.m. on Thursday (June 8).

The victim is identified as Erik Garcia, 16, of 10518 Stover. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Olivo and Officer M. Khan reported:

The victim and his younger cousin were outside the back yard of his home, which is along a bayou in the 10500 block of Stover. When four black males in their teens approached them, the victim exchanged words with the oldest suspect, who was 16 to 18 years old. The suspect accused the victim of making a racial statement towards him. At that time, that suspect and a second suspect pulled pistols. The older suspect fired several shots at the victim, striking him five times. Three of the four suspects fled on foot and the fourth suspect fled on a bicycle. All headed south toward the 10600 block of Stover and then through a field towards Fuqua. It's believed all four suspects live in the area where the incident took place. The victim's cousin ran inside the home and called for help.

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/GO 6-9-06
Inc #089231906

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