Corey Hilton is charged with capital murder in the 182nd State District Court. He was on crutches for unknown reasons when he was the first to appear before the judge Sunday, and he is now back in jail.
"I find there is probable cause to hold you in the case, sir," the judge said. "Your bond is set at zero. You are assigned to court 182."
Hilton is one of three men accused of walking into the Denny's restaurant on near Interstate 10 and Washington Avenue on August 28, wearing masks and hoodies. All three were reportedly armed, and two of them immediately started shooting.
Greig Placette was shot while shielding children from the bullets. He later died at an area hospital. Placette, 64, was a father, grandfather, small business owner and military veteran.
A Denny's manager who tried to run away through the front door was shot in the back and is recovering.
A witness who saw the suspects shortly after the robbery helped identify the suspects as brothers Corey and Mario Hilton and Kenya Jackson. According to court documents, the witness told police Jackson admitted that he and the Hilton brothers were involved.
"[The witness] described the actions of a male known to him as "Poo Poo" -- also known as Kenya Jackson -- as a person who admitted to him shortly after getting out of the van, that he, Mario, and Corey all robbed the Denny's on I-10," a court clerk said.
Investigators then searched an apartment all three men went to after the robbery.
"The search warrant was executed, and the clothing worn in the Denny's robbery was recovered, in particular, the hoodies, hats and shoes," a prosecutor said.
Mario Hilton, 18, was also arrested and charged with capital murder. He is still in custody and has not made his first court appearance yet.
Investigators are still looking for Jackson, 20, who is also charged with capital murder in this case.
Police are also seeking information on their alleged getaway driver, who remains unidentified.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jackson or on the identity of the fourth suspect is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Stay with ABC13 Eyewitness News for the latest on this developing story.
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