Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Shooting at 6363 West Airport

June 5, 2009 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a man at 6363 West Airport about 1:15 a.m. on May 26, 2009.

The suspect, Derek Pierre Lawton (b/m, DOB: 11-5-71), is charged with murder in the 177th State District Court.  He is accused in the killing of Allen Jerome Thomas, 31, of Houston.  Mr. Thomas suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants M. Dillingham and J.C. Padilla reported:

Lawton and Thomas initially got involved in an argument.  Shortly afterward, Lawton returned to the apartment complex and gunshots were fired in the parking lot.  Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Further investigation identified Lewis as the shooter and on Thursday (June 4) he turned himself in to the Harris County Jail without incident. 

Update: JKS/JC
JFC/VHS 5-26-09
Inc #075980109

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