The two suspects in the shooting are still at large.
Houston police say they arrived at an apartment in the 100 block of Goodson around 9pm Friday and found a 25-year-old man shot in the head.
According to residents at the Magnolia Cove Apartments, screams were coming from a woman inside a unit there as two masked gunman were trying to open the door. Police say her boyfriend heard her and rushed over to help.
That's when Houston Police Department investigators say the suspects shoved the man into his apartment and -- after a struggle -- shot the protective boyfriend in the head, leaving him fighting for his life.
At last check, the victim was in critical condition. Authorities believe robbery was the motive.
"I've lived here like a year, but nothing good ever happens around here," Diana Lerma said.
Like 13-year-old Lerma and her family, multiple residents at the complex claim violent crimes happen far too often in and around their homes. A few months ago, Lerma and her mother were held up at gunpoint.
"We were walking down and behind me, I hear a guy say 'don't move,'" she said. "The guy is pointing at my mom right in the head saying 'give me your purse.' My mom doesn't speak English. She doesn't know what's going on by the time I tell her to give him the purse."
According to HPD's online crime data, there have been 320 reports of violent crimes in the immediate area over the last year. Of them, more than 300 were robberies and aggravated assaults.
Lerma and her family acknowledge that police have beefed up patrol during the day, but they say more protection is needed at night. They believe it could make a big difference.
"You don't know what it's like to have a gun in your face unless you have lived it. Its awful," Lerma, a seventh grader, said. "It's been bad enough for me. [The] next person might not be so lucky and die."
We talked to an HPD spokesman about these concerns. He told us residents in that area are encouraged to contact the department's North Patrol Division. He also advises residents to express their concerns in HPD's monthly meetings with residents.
Meanwhile, police are still searching for the two suspects in the overnight shooting. They are described only as black males. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
