May 31, 2013 - Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested in the fatal beating and burning of a man at 1323 Witte Road about 4 a.m. on April 21.

Suspect Esterrell Simpson (b/f, DOB: 9-20-94) is charged with murder in the 178th State District Court.  Suspect Maurice Eugene Hollis (b/m, DOB: 5-5-89) is also charged with murder in the 228th State District Court.  Photos of Simpson and Hollis are attached to this news release.

A third male suspect remains at large.  Surveillance video of all three suspects is available on the HPD YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/USNPrrwWhwM

The victim was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital on April 23.  His identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants A. Semmelrock and W. Bush reported:

Three individuals were seen beating the victim at the exit gate of the apartment complex at the above address.  They then set him on fire before fleeing the scene.

A preliminary investigation determined a group of three black individuals was seen walking in the area of Witte Road and Long Point Drive.  One of them was seen on surveillance video carrying a red gallon-sized gas can.

Further investigation identified Simpson and Hollis as suspects in this case.  Simpson was arrested in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on May 1 and Hollis was arrested in Houston on Thursday (May 29).  Both were taken into custody without incident. 

The remaining suspect is described only as a black male, between 17 and 23 years of age, about 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall, with a dark complexion and skinny build.  He was seen wearing a gray or light-colored hoodie. 

Anyone with information on the identity and whereabouts of the remaining wanted suspect is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.