After an eight-hour investigation at the scene, detectives told us they believe this home invasion and homicide on Glenda near Gulf Bank were likely drug-related. Neighbors are surprised, calling the victim friendly and hard-working.
Harris County Sheriff's deputies say that around 10:15pm Tuesday someone kicked in the door at the home of 25-year-old Jose Pena Prieto and began shooting. Pena was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
Detectives believe they know who killed him, and are now speaking with a number of people about the homicide.
There was a trail of blood leading from the outside of the house to the inside of the home, which they don't believe belonged to the victim.
Pena's neighbors say he'd been there just three months, but had already become friendly with people on the street. They say he was an air conditioning repairman, and with the heat we've been having, he was a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
"My husband met him and he came to repair our air conditioner," said neighbor Rosie Alonso. "He's a good man. So that's it, we don't know anything else."
Initially, detectives told us a roommate might have been present when this happened, but neighbors told us that was one of Pena's employees. There is no word on any charges or arrests so far.
Deputies say the investigation is on going and anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477), or the Harris Co. Sheriff's Office Homicide Division at 713-967-5810.
