Michael Irving, a 33-year-old African American male, was shot and killed outside Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in southeast Houston on February 27, 2015. Irving, a friendly and well-liked audio technician, had volunteered at a Black History Month event held at the church. He was waiting for a ride when he was shot in the head in the church parking lot. His cousin found his body lying on the pavement next to his backpack and some sound equipment.
Robbery was ruled out as a motive since none of his possessions were taken.
Irving had recently pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud and identity theft. He was involved in a scheme that targeted elderly victims, using a PayPal credit card processing machine to deduct payments from fraudulently obtained credit cards. Irving faced up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for his crimes. His sentencing hearing was scheduled for May 18, 2015.
The investigation into Irving's murder revealed that it was a targeted killing. Raymond Goffney, one of Irving's co-conspirators in the fraud scheme, had also pleaded guilty to the same charges and was facing similar penalties. However, no arrests or suspects were publicly identified in connection with Irving's murder. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but it is believed that someone intentionally wanted to take his life.
Irving's death shocked the community and his church members, who remembered him as a kind and conscientious individual. The pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church encouraged the congregation and Irving's family to remember the positive aspects of his life and to find solace in their faith.
In summary, Michael Irving's death was a tragic event that occurred amidst his legal troubles and involvement in a fraud scheme. The investigation into his murder remains open, with no arrests or suspects identified.
