Editor's Note: Although they're brothers, Ron Vaughn and Michael Vaughns spell their last names differently.
The brother of the man who was shot and killed at Houston's Solid Waste Management Department on Monday is seeking answers—and justice.
"The person was successful in taking away his body," said Ron Vaughn. "However, he will never take away the memories, he will never take away the spirit of Michael Vaughns."
On one side, a grieving family facing the holidays and a new life without 55-year-old Michael Vaughns.
"Because of the person that he was," said Ron Vaughn. "That's where the pain comes in."
On the other side, a murder suspect, Tyrone Auzenne, who was able to bond out of jail for $50,000, less than 48 hours after police say he confessed to shooting his boss.
"It happens every day," said Jimmy Ardoin, a defense attorney and legal expert not connected to the case.
Ardoin said that $50,000 is the standard bond for murder in Harris County and suspects typically pay just 10 percent. In Auzenne's case, that's $5,000 to walk out the door.
"I can understand why people would be shocked about that," said Ardoin. "But nonetheless, they have to remember that bond is a means to ensure people appear in court, it's not he punishment stage."
The district attorney can ask to increase a bond, but they have to show evidence the suspect is a flight risk or poses an imminent ongoing threat to the community. With no serious criminal history against Auzenne, the DA didn't challenge the standard bond.
That's difficult for Ron Vaughn to accept.
But harder still, he questions what could have been done to prevent this.
"How can the city of Houston allow this to fester as it did? They knew they had a situation," said Vaughn.
Vaughn says Auzenne was upset that Michael was promoted into a job he wanted, and that Michael was worried about comments Auzenne had made.
"You could almost say terrorist threats, regarding the opportunity that Mike was able to get and how he felt that the position should have gone to him. So it's no secret," said Vaughn.
A city of Houston spokesperson wouldn't comment Wednesday on any threats Auzenne may have made. But Mayor Annise Parker said this week her heart was aching over the senseless act.
In court Tuesday, prosecutors said that Auzenne brought a pistol to work and went to get it after an argument with Michael. He told police that he felt he was being picked on unfairly.
"I've been bullied enough, please just leave me alone," Auzenne said as he left the Harris County Jail Tuesday evening.
Michael's family—including a wife and eight children—must cope after their hard-working rock was taken.
"He wouldn't hurt anyone. He helped everyone. He was there for everyone," Ron said. "I know we're supposed to be a forgiving family. We're gonna work hard towards that; however, justice has to be done in this case."
