On February 4, 2023, at approximately 4:55 p.m., a tragic incident occurred in southwest Houston, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Brandon Forbes. The shooting took place near the 14100 block of Fleetwell Drive and 14110 block of Buffalo Speedway.
Brandon Forbes was one of three victims involved in the shooting. He was found unresponsive in the median of Buffalo Speedway, suffering from gunshot wounds. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Another victim, identified as Reginald Reed, 58, was found unresponsive on the front porch of a residence at 14137 Fleetwell Drive and was also pronounced dead. A third victim, a 32-year-old man, was wounded but survived the attack.
Family members described Brandon as a hardworking young man who had just celebrated his 23rd birthday the previous month. He was known for his love of working on cars, motorcycles, and bikes, and enjoyed his job at IKEA. His mother, Cindy Forbes, expressed her grief, stating, "He worked so hard to get where he is today, and now my son is gone." Brandon's sister, Bianca Forbes-Robertson, described him as an innocent person who loved to work and enjoy cars and 4-wheelers.
The investigation into Brandon Forbes' death led to the arrest of three suspects. The first suspect, Chase Franklin Williams, 18, was arrested on February 6, 2023, just two days after the incident. He was charged with capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 338th State District Court.
On August 30, 2023, a second suspect, Markeith Eric Simpson, 26, was arrested and charged for his involvement in the case. He was booked into the Harris County Jail and faced charges of capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 208th State District Court.
The third and final suspect, Camrese Holloway, 20, was identified in May 2023 but wasn't arrested until January 8, 2024. Holloway was charged with capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 184th State District Court.
The Houston Police Department's Homicide Division, led by Detectives H. Martinez and S. Chettry, conducted the investigation. Assistant Chief Yasar Bashari stated that the victims were simply standing outside a home on Fleetwood when one or more suspects began shooting at them, emphasizing the seemingly random nature of the attack.
The Forbes family, already grieving the loss of two other family members in the weeks prior to Brandon's death, pleaded for anyone with information to come forward. The Houston Police Department increased patrols in the area following the incident and encouraged citizens to contact Crime Stoppers with any relevant information.
This tragic event not only devastated the Forbes family but also shocked the local community, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area and the importance of swift law enforcement action in bringing those responsible to justice.
