HOUSTON — A Houston man will face murder charges after police say he “coached” a 16-year-old through a robbery which resulted in the teenager’s death.
The teen who was killed, now identified as Edwin Quinones, was shot on Dec. 12. He was later found dead in an elevator at the Haven at Elgin apartments.
“A lot of people think that murder in Texas can only be committed if you intentionally kill another person, but this is a unique case,” KHOU 11 News legal analyst Carmen Roe said.
New court documents confirm that Larry Holmes, 18, is now charged in connection with Quinones' death, even though he was not present during the robbery. The teen died when he attempted to rob two men at gunpoint in an elevator and was shot in a struggle that followed, according to police.
On Tuesday, police told KHOU 11 they have evidence that shows Holmes and Quinones were in communication during the robbery, but they did not specify how.
Roe said Holmes was charged with felony murder through the Texas “law of parties.” The law makes each person involved in a crime criminally responsible as a “party” to the offense.
In this case, Holmes was party to the felony of aggravated robbery because he “encouraged” Quinones to carry out the crime, authorities said. What’s more, the crime resulted in a death -- which Holmes is also legally responsible for.
“You can be charged with murder if you commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that results in death while in the commission of committing another felony,” Roe said. “It’s a hard charge to defend because it all goes back to intent -- and we know that Holmes and the 16-year-old did engage in the offense of aggravated robbery."
Roe said it's unlikely the person who shot Quinones will face charges as their actions would most likely be considered self-defense.
At the time of Quinones' death, Holmes was already facing three prior felony charges in Harris County, according to records. He's now being held on a $275,000 bond.
Residents who live at Haven on Elgin said gunfire is unfortunately a common occurrence at the apartment complex. Still, at least one resident who did not want to be identified told KHOU 11 that Quinones' death put her on edge.
“We hear gunshots every night,” the resident said, “Even now at night, walking near the building in the dark -- you just never know.”
Holmes is expected to appear in court again on Jan. 4.