HOUSTON — A big reward is being offered for information leading to the guys who shot and killed a 14-year-old boy earlier this month.
Axel Turcios was shot in the back on Friday, May 6, in west Houston. It happened around 8:10 p.m. in the 2500 block of Tanglewilde Street at Ella Lee Lane.
Before he died, Axel told a witness who ran to help him that his killers wanted his shoes. They ripped the shoes off the boy's feet as he lay bleeding on the ground.
"A 14-year-old kid, an innocent kid, his whole life ahead of him, Lamar High School student, it's senseless," Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said Thursday at a news conference. "It makes no sense and it angers me."
At least three suspects got away, and they're still out there. The same good Samaritan who tried to help Axel told police that his killers appeared to be teens and they took off in a P.T. Cruiser.
"There is somebody out there that knows something. Please step up and do the right thing," Finner said. "Bring some peace and some sense of closure to this family that's hurting so bad right now."
Police are hoping a reward will help. Tilman Fertitta has added $20,000 to the Crime Stoppers reward bringing the total to $25,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of Axel's killers.
"I'll tell you what, we're gonna stand strong and get these individuals in custody," Finner said.
Axel's father also spoke at the news conference. He believes justice will come from God.
“No one can escape the eyes of God. There is always someone watching," Aster Turcios said. “We want justice. We don’t have resentment. We don’t have hate. Much peace and love.”
Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit anonymous tips online. To be eligible for the reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers directly.