January 15, 2021 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a man at 9501 Southwest Freeway (South U.S. Highway 59) service road about 9:40 p.m. on Monday (January 11).

The suspect, Raul Alexander Leon, also known as Abel A. Torres (H/m, 21), is charged with murder in the 262nd State District Court.  A booking photo of Leon is attached to this news release.

The victim, Raul Zarco, 17, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where was pronounced deceased..

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Horn and Detectives K. McDonald, C. Sharp and E. May reported:

HPD patrol officers and Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to a shooting call at a sports cantina at the above address.  Upon arrival, they found Mr. Zarco lying in the parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Paramedics transported him to the hospital.

Further investigation determined rival groups gathered in the parking lot for a drug transaction.  An argument ensued and more than one individual fired shots.  Leon was identified as one of the shooters and was arrested on Thursday (Jan. 14). 

Leon was out on bond for a felony offense in Harris County when this incident occurred.  

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

Raul Alexander Leon



Update: JFC/VHS  1-15-21
KJS/JFC  1-12-21
Inc. #005031521