Suspects Sought in Two Related Fatal Shootings

October 14, 2010 - Houston police homicide investigators hope a large reward and appeal to the public for assistance can help identify suspects wanted in two fatal shootings of two cab drivers, one found at 5400 Wheatley about 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday (Oct. 12) and the other at 12100 Overbrook about 4:15 a.m. today (Oct. 14).

The victims, Mohammed Nabil Elsayed, 32, of Houston, and Blaize Uzoma Nwokenaka, 50, of Bellaire, suffered at least one gunshot wound and were pronounced dead at the scene. Both men were independent contract employees for Yellow Cab.

Crime Stoppers and Yellow Cab announced a reward of up to $15,000 for anyone providing information leading to arrests and convictions on the suspects in the two cases.

Investigators believe the shootings are related and were committed by at least two suspects, with the motive in each incident being robbery.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants B. Harris, R. Chandler, R. Torres and Senior Police Officers M. Waters and J. Johnston reported:

An HPD officer on routine patrol noticed a Yellow Cab with light smoke emitting from it in a parking lot in the 12100 block of Overbrook about 4:15 a.m. today. The officer drove up and noticed an unresponsive male (Mr. Nwokenaka) in the driver's seat. Paramedics were called and pronounced Nwokenaka deceased.

In the other incident, Mr. Elsayed was found lying in a drainage ditch in the 5400 block of Wheatley on Tuesday afternoon. Soon after, the Yellow Cab he was driving was found abandoned in the 12100 block of Overbrook. Further investigation determined Elsayed was fatally shot while on duty sometime between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. earlier that day (Tuesday).

Anyone with information in either or both of these cases is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

JFC/BJH 10-14-10
Inc #s 145085910, 145812510