HOUSTON – One of two children wounded in a drive-by shooting earlier this month has died, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Thursday.
"I’m heartbroken today to hear about 8-year-old Tristian Hutchins death weeks after he was shot while sitting in his mother’s car. As I said before, police will find those responsible, but we also need witnesses to come forward. Violence against our children will not be tolerated," the mayor tweeted.
The crime happened the night of March 1. The next day, Turner and community leaders urged anyone with information to come forward.
Police say around 6:30 p.m. a woman went into a nail salon in the 3900 block of Scott Street and left her children in the car. That’s when someone drove by, possibly in a light-colored vehicle, and shot the car multiple times, striking 8-year-old Tristian in the head and 5-year-old Kheristian Hutchins in the leg.
Police said an 11-year-old was also in the car at the time but wasn’t injured.
“There are individuals out here who saw something and know something," said HPD Asst. Chief Troy Finner. "Talk to us and let justice prevail.”
Chief Art Acevedo is pleading for tips that would lead to the arrest of the suspect/s.
“When people cross the line and kill a child because they are that reckless and that heartless, let's get them in prison where they belong,” the chief said.
Anyone with information can make an anonymous tip to Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Police say the shooting may be targeted because of the amount of bullets at the scene. They are looking at surveillance footage and are searching for the suspect at this time.