Damion Demond Mann, a 28-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on May 1, 2020, in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred at an apartment complex located at 17435 Imperial Valley Drive. According to reports, Mann was shot multiple times by an unknown black male wearing a ski mask. The suspect approached Mann at close range, fired several shots, and then fled the scene with a large amount of cash that was lying on the ground.
Mann's girlfriend, who was waiting nearby to pick him up, heard the gunshots and rushed to the scene. She attempted to transport Mann to the hospital in her black Ford Mustang, but the vehicle crashed in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant at 251 Greens Road. Mann was pronounced dead at the scene by Houston Fire Department paramedics.
The Houston Police Department launched an investigation into the fatal shooting. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect, described as a black male wearing a ski mask, fleeing the scene. The HPD Homicide Division Detectives J. Nguyen and W. Huff were assigned to the case. The investigation revealed that Mann had been involved in a confrontation with the suspect, who then shot him and took the cash. The suspect's identity remained unknown at the time, and the HPD urged anyone with information to come forward.
On June 5, 2020, charges were filed against a suspect named Larry Ward, a 20-year-old black male. Ward was charged with capital murder in connection with Mann's death. Surveillance photos of Ward were released to the public, and the HPD sought assistance in locating him. Ward was eventually arrested and charged with capital murder in the 176th State District Court. The investigation revealed that Ward had approached Mann, shot him multiple times, and fled the scene with the cash. Mann's girlfriend, who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, provided crucial information that helped identify Ward as the suspect.
The case against Larry Ward proceeded through the legal system, with the HPD Homicide Division continuing to gather evidence and build a case against him. The tragic death of Damion Demond Mann highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in Houston and the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such incidents. The HPD remained committed to seeking justice for Mann and his family, urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
