On June 6, 2024, 36-year-old Damon Price, an employee at the Houston Farmers Market, was fatally shot while attempting to prevent a theft. Price, a father of two, was on duty checking in delivery trucks when he noticed two individuals trying to steal a golf cart near the market's exit. Confronting the suspects led to a physical altercation, during which one of them drew a firearm and shot Price multiple times.
The assailants then fled the scene, leaving Price mortally wounded in the parking lot.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) launched an immediate investigation, utilizing surveillance footage from the market that captured images of the suspects. The videos depicted two young Hispanic males wearing dark-colored hoodies, rummaging through merchandise and attempting to steal the golf cart. The clarity of the footage provided crucial leads in identifying the perpetrators.
A significant breakthrough occurred when the mother of one of the suspects, a 14-year-old boy, recognized her son's involvement from the released footage. Demonstrating a commitment to justice, she brought her son to the police station, where he was taken into custody. The teenager was subsequently charged with capital murder and referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities.
Following his arrest, the 14-year-old suspect appeared before a magistrate judge. During the detention hearing, his defense attorney requested that the boy be released into the custody of his grandmother, who assured the court of strict supervision, including a curfew and restricted access to firearms. However, the judge, citing the severity of the charges and potential flight risk, ordered that the teenager remain in custody. His next court appearance was scheduled for June 24, 2024.
As of the latest reports, HPD has not announced any arrests related to the second suspect involved in the incident. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The Houston Farmers Market community and Price's family continue to mourn his loss, remembering him as a dedicated worker and loving father.
