Robert Marquez, a 55-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically shot and killed on June 9, 2018, while on duty as a security guard in Houston, Texas. Marquez, who owned a private security company, was patrolling the area around a townhome complex in north Houston when he encountered a man in a skeleton mask attempting to rob him. The suspect fled in a white Ford Expedition, and Marquez pursued the vehicle.
During the chase, one of the occupants of the SUV shot Marquez, who was on the phone with 911 at the time.
Marquez's widow, Sara, revealed that her husband often prepared his family for the worst, knowing the dangers of his job. Despite his precautions, Marquez's death came as a shock to his loved ones. A memorial was erected at the site where he was shot, and the Houston Police Department released surveillance photos of the suspect's vehicle and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Following an investigation, Courtney Chatmon, a 30-year-old man, was arrested and charged with Marquez's murder. Chatmon was identified as a suspect after his arrest on an unrelated felony evading charge. He was charged with murder in the 182nd State District Court and remains in custody.
The case remains a poignant reminder of the risks faced by security personnel and the impact of such tragedies on their families and communities. Marquez's dedication to his job and his commitment to making the areas he patrolled safer for families are remembered by those who knew him.
