HOUSTON — The Spring Branch Independent School District Police Department shared a photo of one of their dispatchers who was killed last week.
Jose Torres, 37, was found shot to death Friday at his northwest Harris County home. His wife and kids made the discovery when Torres didn't show up to pick them up from school and they caught a ride home from someone else, according to investigators.
In a post on Facebook, SBISD police announced that Torres worked for them as a dispatcher.
On Sunday, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced that Antonio Guzman, Torres' 22-year-old nephew, had been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the deadly shooting.
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Investigators said it appeared that Torres was outside trimming a tree in front of his house when he went inside, possibly to get another piece of equipment. They said that's when he was shot and killed. They said they recovered shell casings at the scene.
A motive for the shooting remains unclear. Guzman was booked into the Harris County Jail. He waived his court appearance on Sunday and a judge set his bond at $200,000.
SBISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge issued this statement:
“The SBISD PD is devastated by the loss of our coworker and friend, Jose Torres. Jose leaves behind a wife and two beautiful daughters. He was taken by a senseless act of violence as worked to improve his new home for his family. Jose was an outstanding dispatcher and a wonderful man.
"We are grateful for the efforts of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division and Sheriff Gonzales’ support.
"We are asking that anyone who has information on the individual or individuals that committed this heinous crime contact the HCSO Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers."