HOUSTON — There’s been an arrest in the shooting death of a Houston Farmers Market employee.
Houston police confirmed Friday night that a 14-year-old boy was taken into custody, accused in the shooting of 36-year-old Damon Price, a father of two.
Price was checking in employees early Thursday morning when police said two people came in and tried to steal a golf cart. When he tried to stop them, they shot him.
Police said the 14-year-old was referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on a capital murder charge.
There’s no word yet on the second suspect.
What happened
According to Houston police, two suspects had broken into a shop at the Houston Farmers Market and were trying to steal a golf cart that was parked near the exit.
Around 4:15 a.m., Price, who was in charge of checking out trucks with produce, confronted them and a fight broke out.
Investigators said one of the suspects pulled out a gun during the fight and shot Price before both of them ran away.
Houston police said they have multiple surveillance videos to work with and were hopeful they would lead to the second suspect.
Family members demand justice
Price's family members are begging for justice. They said losing him this way is hard to understand.
"He was my baby boy, I know that," Damon Price's father, Leo Price, said.
Leo Price said details of his son's death have been coming in slowly in the wake of the tragedy that has shaken the family.
"I didn't get frustrated, I just got hurt," he said. "I love him. He was my son. He wasn't perfect, which none of us is, but this happened while he was doing his job."
Leo Price said security was at the farmers market at the time, but instead of stepping in to help Price, they ran, leaving his son to die.
Damon Price's loss leaves a hole the family will never be able to fill.
"He was a good man. He took care of his kids. I didn’t expect this day to come," Damon Price's ex-wife, Cheterria Alexander, said.
She had a message for the accused killers.
"Put the guns down. Go to school. Be something. Damon did not deserve this."
Houston Farmers Market statement
"We are devastated by the tragic event that occurred this morning and claimed the life of an innocent man and beloved market employee. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victim’s families, friends and our entire Houston Farmers Market community as we navigate this senseless tragedy.
"Houston Police Department is actively investigating the situation and we are supporting them in every way we can — including working closely with Crime Stoppers (more details to follow) — to bring these criminals to justice.
"If you have information about this crime, we urge you to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477).
"Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspects in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward."