August 7, 2014 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the death of a man at 4831 North Shepherd about 3 a.m. on Tuesday (August 5).

The suspect, Carlos F. Mercado (H/m, 17), is charged with murder in the 174th State District Court for his role in the death of Carlos Villatoro, 35, who died at the scene. A photo of suspect Mercado is attached to this news release.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. French and Officer D. Fontenot reported:

Mercado and the victim drove to the Tropical Motel at the above address and checked into a room. At some point, the two got into an altercation that ended with Mercado beating, choking and stabbing the victim. Mercado left the motel in the victim's vehicle. Several minutes later, a Harris County Precinct One deputy constable stopped the vehicle Mercado was driving for a traffic violation. The deputy constable detained Mercado after an initial investigation. Mercado later admitted to his role in the victim's death and was taken to jail.

Update JFC/VHS 8-7-14
JFC/JKS 8-5-14
Inc #098138914