On July 16, 2016, Dereck Lawton, aged 44, was the victim of a fatal shooting in his Houston residence located in the 7800 block of Tierwester Street. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. when two unknown suspects forcibly entered his home. This violent home invasion turned into an aggravated robbery, during which the suspects demanded property and ultimately shot Lawton multiple times. The suspects ransacked the residence before fleeing in an unknown direction. Lawton died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
The suspects were described as two males wearing all-black clothing and ski masks. One was reported to be approximately 6'1" with a slim build, while the other was about 5'7" and weighed around 180 pounds. The Houston Police Department and Crime Stoppers have been seeking the public's assistance in identifying the perpetrators involved in this capital murder. The Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division responded to the scene and continues to investigate the case, encouraging anyone with information to reach out to either the department or Crime Stoppers. Despite ongoing efforts, no arrests had been made in connection with this homicide.
Lawton's sudden death was a tragic blow to his family and the local community. The grieving relatives have urged the community for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the responsible parties, offering a reward for useful tips. The tragic nature of the incident highlighted concerns about safety and crime in the neighborhood, as well as the need for community solidarity to bring those responsible to justice.
