On August 26, 2024, at approximately 1:55 p.m., 19-year-old Kenneth Thomas was fatally shot during a home invasion at 2313 Kirk Street in Houston's Fifth Ward. According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), two individuals entered the residence, stole two firearms, and shot Thomas multiple times before fleeing the scene. Emergency responders transported Thomas to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Witnesses described the assailants as Black males between the ages of 17 and 22. Through their investigation, HPD identified one of the suspects as 19-year-old Frederick York from Humble, Texas. York was arrested without incident on August 28, 2024, and charged with murder in the 232nd State District Court. A booking photo of York was released by the authorities.
The second suspect involved in the incident has not been publicly identified, and it remains unclear whether they have been apprehended. HPD continues to urge anyone with information about the case to contact the HPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
In the aftermath of Thomas's death, his family requested that Oasis Funeral and Cremation in Aldine preserve some of his hair as a keepsake before his cremation. The family intended to incorporate his distinctive wicks into their own hair as a memorial gesture. However, the funeral home mistakenly provided them with another individual's hair and was unable to locate Thomas's hair, compounding the family's grief. The funeral home's owner acknowledged the error and took responsibility for the mishap.
Kenneth Thomas's untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of his family and friends. Known for his warm smile and caring nature, he was a beloved son, brother, and friend with a promising future ahead. The community continues to mourn his loss as the search for complete justice in his case remains ongoing.
