Police artists were able to make a sketch of the person investigators believe was the triggerman who allegedly shot and killed Alberto Cardenas. Cardenas hadn't quite yet turned 16.
"From one day to the next, we went from planning his birthday party to planning his funeral," said Edna Cardenas, Alberto's sister.
Cardenas was shot and killed Tuesday at around 1am at a home on Rustic Oak Court in northeast Harris County. Investigators say one friend went inside to get some clothes. When he returned, he was confronted by five young men. The victims were all forced inside the home as their keys and other items were taken. Somehow, one of the victims called 911.
The suspects fled on foot into the neighborhood, but not before firing a fatal shot at Cardenas.
One neighbor with whom we spoke couldn't get that sound out of her head.
"You would think in the area we live in, there wouldn't be anything like that," said resident Joanie Dunn.
Detectives say they found bikes nearby, which they believe the suspects used.
The two they could create sketches of are the youngest. One is a stocky 14-year-old, who's about 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-2. The other is the alleged shooter. He's said to be 18 to 20 years old with a dark complexion and slim build. He was wearing a hood.
"Anyone who's out there and has information, please call and let us know," said Cardenas. "If it was your son, your brother, your nephew, you'd want to know as well."
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-8477 (TIPS) hotline or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the identification, arrest and/or charging of the any of suspect in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message -- Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.
