On October 16, 2023, 25-year-old Daniel Abdelmalak was fatally shot at his family's used car dealership, Star Motor Company, located in southeast Houston. The incident occurred around 1:25 p.m. when Malcolm Lewis, 20, and another individual visited the dealership to discuss a vehicle purchase. A disagreement over pricing escalated into a physical altercation, during which Lewis and his companion assaulted Daniel and his father, Sami Abdelmalak.
In an attempt to protect his father, Daniel intervened, at which point Lewis drew a firearm and shot him multiple times. Daniel succumbed to his injuries at the scene, dying in his mother's arms.
Malcolm Lewis fled the scene but subsequently surrendered to authorities at the Houston Police Department headquarters on October 20, 2023. He confessed to his involvement in the shooting and was charged with murder. Prior to this incident, Lewis had a criminal history; in 2022, he received probation for a felony conviction. In July 2023, he was charged with aggravated robbery, leading to a motion to revoke his probation. However, instead of revocation, the court set his bond at $40,000, allowing his release. This decision has been criticized, with advocates suggesting that stricter judicial actions might have prevented Daniel's death.
The Abdelmalak family, deeply affected by the tragedy, has received an outpouring of support from the community. Friends and well-wishers have expressed their condolences and shared memories of Daniel on social media platforms. Additionally, a GoFundMe page was established to collect donations for the Archangel Raphael Church in Daniel's honor, reflecting his family's wish for his generous spirit to continue inspiring others. As of now, the page has raised approximately $7,000. Funeral services were held on October 23, 2023, at Archangel Raphael Coptic Orthodox Church in Houston, followed by interment at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.
