April 24, 2023 - Charges have been filed against a suspect wanted in a man's death at 5598 East Freeway (Interstate Highway 10 East) service road about 6:35 p.m. on June 27, 2020.  

The suspect, Jesus Alberto Casas, 24, is charged with failure to stop and render aid in the 179th State District Court.  A January 2021 booking photo of Casas, who is not in custody, is attached to this news release.  

Another suspect, Juan Mancillas, 24, was charged with failure to stop and render aid in the 337th State District Court in 2020.  Mancillas' 2020 booking photo is attached to this news release.

The victim, Justin Ortiz, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant M. Holbrook and Detectives J. Roscoe and R. Lajuan reported:

Mr. Ortiz was on a motorcycle southbound on Lockwood Drive, crossing over the East Freeway, when a blue BMW struck one of Ortiz's friends riding with him.  The friend was not seriously injured.  A black Chevrolet Tahoe then struck Ortiz.  The BMW and the Chevrolet then fled the scene.  Preliminary evidence indicated the vehicles possibly struck the victims deliberately.

An initial investigation identified Mancillas as the driver of the BMW and he was arrested without incident on Sept. 9, 2020. 

Subsequent investigation identified Casas as the driver of the black Chevrolet Tahoe and, last Friday (April 21), he was charged for his role in Ortiz's death. 
 
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jesus Alberto Casas or in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.


WANTED: Jesus Alberto Casas (Jan 2021)



Juan Mancillas (2020 booking photo)



2nd Update: VHS/SOA 4-24-23
Update JFC/VHS    9-9-20
JFC/VHS  6-29-20
Inc #084724620