$25K reward offered to find 'vicious killers' in shooting death of 14-year-old in west Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A $25,000 reward is being offered for more information leading to the arrest of the suspects who killed a 14-year-old Lamar High School student in west Houston.

On Thursday, Houston leaders were joined by Axel Turcios' family as they pleaded with the public for help finding the "vicious killers" in the 14-year-old's case.

Police said the shooting happened the night of Friday, May 6 outside of the apartment complex where he lived on Ella Lee Lane. Authorities said a good Samaritan heard the shooting and aided Axel, who later died at the hospital.

SEE ALSO: 'He was a good boy': 14-year-old boy dies days after being shot in west Houston, police say

The good Samaritan told police that Axel was shot during an apparent robbery. The good Samaritan also reported seeing two Hispanic males between 15 to 17 years old fleeing the scene and getting into a PT Cruiser. According to investigators, it's believed at least three people were in that vehicle.

Through an investigation and reviewing surveillance video in the area, authorities said they have been able to develop a license plate on the vehicle and a direction of travel.

"We want to find these individuals who did this. We want to hold them accountable and we fully understand that it should have not happened to Axel, and we don't want it to happen to any other person," Mayor Sylvester Turner said during the conference. "We can't bring back Axel, who was lost to a senseless crime, but we surely can bring some peace and closure to this family by finding the persons who are responsible for what happened to Axel."

HPD officers initially said the teen's shoes were stolen. A week later they told ABC13 that information was preliminary and couldn't confirm that but did say an item or items were stolen from the teen, but they didn't specify what.

"Even the neighborhoods have rules. It's a 14-year-old kid, an innocent kid, his whole life ahead of him. It's senseless. It makes no sense, and it angers me," HPD Chief Troy Finner said. "I'm asking whoever knows something to please step up to do the right thing. Bring some peace and some sense of closure to this family that's hurting so bad right now."

Fighting back tears, Axel's father gave an emotional plea to the community to find the suspects. He added that the family's biggest fear is that this could happen to somebody else. Therefore, they're asking the public to come out if they know anything.

While pleading for justice, Axel's father said the family has no resentment or hate.

"Please, we're asking you to join us. It's hard sharing this pain, as we only know what we're going through as parents," Axel's dad said.

Axel's dad said he believes that his son never got the opportunity to write the final chapter of his life. He said his son was taken away by a firearm and he hopes that something can be done about this.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Houston police or Crime Stoppers.