Sam Lavel Wingate, an 84-year-old Korean War veteran from Baytown, Texas, was fatally shot on August 15, 2018, while out on a morning walk with a friend. Wingate, who had recently undergone bypass surgery and was widowed, was walking along the 9600 block of Pinehurst Drive near Highway 146 when a light-colored sedan pulled up beside them. The shooter, who was in the vehicle, fired a shot at Wingate, hitting him in the back.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Wingate succumbed to his injuries four days later on August 19, 2018.
The Baytown Police Department launched an investigation into Wingate's murder, releasing surveillance video of the suspect's vehicle—a light-colored, four-door sedan with a missing front license plate. The police believe the same vehicle was involved in similar shootings in the Houston Heights area. Despite extensive efforts and a reward increase to $25,000, no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved.
Wingate's family has been vocal in their plea for information, hoping to bring the perpetrator to justice. They have expressed their grief and frustration over the senseless loss of their beloved father and grandfather. The Baytown Police Department continues to seek tips and leads from the public, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation into Sam Lavel Wingate's death is ongoing, with the Baytown Police Department and Baytown Crime Stoppers actively working to solve the case. The family remains hopeful that someone will come forward with information that will lead to an arrest and justice for Wingate.
