Houston Police Department

June 17, 2006 -- Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man found at 9001 Kempwood about 2 a.m. today (June 17).

The victim is identified as Juan Araiz, 27, of 9001 Kempwood #5. He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant D.A. Ferguson and Officer T.S. Tyler reported:

Juan Araiz and a friend were standing at the rear of a vehicle in the parking lot of the apartment complex drinking beer and talking when two Hispanic males approached them. One of the suspects pulled a gun and they demanded money. The victims complied with the suspects' demands by placing their money and wallets on the trunk of the car. Araiz then struck the suspect holding the gun with his elbow in the face causing the suspect to fall backwards. The suspect began firing his weapon at Araiz who ran to the sidewalk in front of his apartment where he collapsed and died. The suspects fled the scene on foot with the victims' property.

The suspects are described as Hispanic males in their early 20s, 5 feet 6 inches to 9 inches tall and weighing between 140 to 190 pounds. Both suspects wore dark bandana across their faces and one wore a black pullover short-sleeved shirt. The other suspect wore a white pullover short-sleeved shirt.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

NJM/JFC 6/17/06
Inc #93925706

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.