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Houston Father Surrenders in Christmas Gas Station Killing, Faces Murder Charge

Investigators say the shooter claimed he was trying to retrieve his daughter after a late-night call about an assault.

Overview

  • The 39-year-old suspect turned himself in on Jan. 14 and was booked into the Harris County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
  • Police say Desmond Butler was shot as his Honda Pilot left a southwest Houston gas station and later died after crashing into a light pole.
  • Court filings describe surveillance video showing a woman exit a GMC Acadia to chase the Pilot as a man fired two shots, with two 9mm shell casings recovered.
  • The suspect told police he believed the passenger was his 19-year-old daughter after receiving a call reporting an assault by her boyfriend.
  • Investigators say the suspect and Butler did not know each other, and a juvenile passenger reported the man apologized at the crash scene before leaving without calling 911.