Crime Stoppers has upped the reward for information leading to an arrest to $30,000. On Tuesday, friends, family and investigators came forward to ask for any new information in the beating and robbery that has that elderly Houston man still fighting for his life.
The beating and robbery happened in the 3400 block of Roseland Street in Houston almost six months ago, on the evening of November 15, 2011.
"I can't tell you the emotional effect it's had not only on his family, but his friends," said friend William B. Boyd.
The victim, Roland Suiter, who goes by "Darby," is still in the hospital, fighting for his life.
"We're really angry about this. Darby Suiter did not deserve it," said Boyd.
Friends, family and police came together at a Crime Stoppers news conference to ask for information. Investigators believe someone who knew Suiter committed the crime.
"Investigators believe that the incident was a result of a person or persons knowing that Mr. Darby kept a large amount of cash in his residence," said HPD Sgt. Darrell Defee.
Suiter, who served in the US Navy as a musician in the Fleet City Orchestra, made his mark on Houston as a lawyer and as a real estate investor so successful that a street in Pasadena is named after him.
"Suiter Way is named after Darby Suiter because he developed the properties there," Boyd said.
But despite Suiter's high profile, his attacker has yet to be found and Suiter's family and friends are struggling.
"His relatives were constantly coming down here from Ohio to be with him, to care for him. His friend who have full time jobs are taking care of him," said Boyd.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $30,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.
