It’s a crucial and visual piece of evidence that could help capture the killers who took the life of a hardworking father of three in southwest Houston.
Michael Truong, 52, was shot and robbed around 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the Texaco Convenience Store located on 14607 East Hillcroft Street.
Truong, whose older brother owns the store, had just closed up shop.
Surveillance video released by that brother on Sunday shows Truong’s final moments.
Truong is seen stepping into his minivan to head home after his shift.
Two masked men then dash toward the vehicle with guns drawn during a violent ambush.
“The video shows a struggle, and he basically surrenders, but they shot him anyway,” said friend Dinh Tran.
Relatives said Truong was armed too and attempted to fight back.
However, he was overpowered by the pair of thugs.
Truong was shot repeatedly and then backed over by his minivan as one of the suspects took off in it. The other suspect is seen running off.
“He has a wife and three kids who depend on him for livelihood, and some of his kids have special needs. How would you feel about that?” Tran added.
Truong was the sole provider for his family. Relatives said his wife doesn’t know how she’s going to raise their kids without him.
This isn’t the first time this family has faced tragedy.
Older brother Toi Truong said his other brother was killed in another robbery more than two decades ago. He told KHOU 11 News that his son, a student at the University of Texas, died just this past April due to medical issues.
Regular customers have been lending their support to the family now dealing with another devastating blow.
A number of people have been stopping by with flowers, stuffed animals and messages of encouragement.
“I’ve got to know Mike around 39 years ago. He always kept you laughing,” said regular customer. “You could always come in and say, Mike, I’ll pay you later. I’d come to the store, get things on credit, get gas on credit, pay later.”
Houston Police were at the store on Sunday afternoon to review the surveillance video.
Police found Truong’s minivan abandoned several miles away from the scene. The suspects also stole his backpack.
If you have any additional information, please contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-8477.