Deadly HPD-involved shooting goes before grand jury

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The latest case of a Houston Police officer killing an unarmed man is in the hands of the Harris County Grand Jury.

In January, Jordan Baker, 26, was shot to death by a HPD Officer Juventino Castro. At the time, a HPD spokesman said Baker fit a suspect profile in a northwest Houston strip center that had been riddled with robberies and when the officer tried to stop him, he ran-around the corner and into a dark alley. According to the officer, Baker charged him and reached into his waistband. Officer Castro shot and killed Baker. Baker was not armed.

"How did it go from my son being in an area where he had every right to be in a shopping strip to losing his life," questioned Janet Baker, Baker's mother.

Baker and other family members are at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center awaiting the Grand Jury's decision on whether what the officer did was criminal. Harris County Assistant District Attorney Julian Ramirez presented the case mid-morning after a few protesters gathered in front of the courthouse.

"We're here today to support Ms. Baker. We're here today as watchmen and monitors of the system. We're optimistic. We have faith but at the same time we have no belief whatsoever in the justice system right here in Houston, Texas. We believe it's just as broken as the system in Ferguson, Missouri. It's just as broken as the system in New York and it's just as broken as the system in other cities all across America," exclaimed activist Deric Muhammad.

The case was investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Officer Castro told investigators he feared for his life when he discharged his weapon.

The Harris County Grand Jury will reconvene on Tuesday to continue to deliberate whether to indict a Houston Police Officer.

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