While HPD's chief says he has complete confidence in his homicide investigators and their managers, one murder victim's family feels differently. For them, credibility is now an issue.
For her two young children, Jennifer Sedillio has learned to put on a strong face despite the reality.
"My kids no longer have a father and they ask about him everyday," Sedillio said.
Her two little girls will never know their father, only trips to his graveside and memories. Osasuyi Victor Uhunmwangho, 28, was gunned down outside an Alief-area townhome a year and a half ago and there's been no arrest.
News of the internal affairs investigation of HPD's homicide division has Sedillio and Uhunmwangho's sisters questioning his case.
"Nobody has returned calls, text messages, nothing," Uhunmwangho's sister, Vanessa Uhunmwangho, said.
"I would like to know if this is part of their investigation," Sedillio said.
Police Chief Charles McClelland won't say which cases or detectives are being investigated, but he does tell family of murder victims to make a call if they're frustrated.
"Contact the homicide division, ask to speak to a supervisor, give them your victim's case number. I expect them to give them a full update," McClelland once said.
Sedellio did call HPD on Monday, February 24th. A homicide lieutenant took her information as well as a possible lead and an HPD spokesman confirms detectives will follow-up.
"Have you heard back yet?" we asked Sedillio.
"No, I have not," she said.
Sedillio has called and is still waiting for an answer, waiting for justice.
"Things like that happen in life, but you would want some type of closure," she said.
As we've reported, one sergeant has been relieved of duty. We know he did not work this case. Meanwhile, Chief McClelland reminds families there is no statute of limitations on murder.
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 $5,000 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 in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.
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