POLICE Department

Update: Investigation into Deceased Man Found at 5200 East Houston Road

February 20, 2017 - Houston police have learned the identity of a man found deceased after a fire was extinguished at 5200 East Houston Road about 7:50 a.m. on December 28, 2016.  

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has identified the victim as Ruben Mercado, 39, and has ruled his death a homicide.  It was determined Mercado suffered a gunshot wound.

HPD Homicide Division Officers M. Perez and K. Persad reported:  

HPD patrol officers and Houston Fire Department emergency personnel responded to a call of a van on fire in a grassy field at the above address.  Firefighters extinguished the fire and found a deceased person inside the vehicle.  A preliminary investigation determined the vehicle was reported stolen on December 26.  

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.