Houston police ask for public's help to find construction worker's killer

HOUISTON (KTRK) -- Houston police need your help finding the person who shot and killed a construction worker on a work site early Wednesday morning.

Frank Madrano, 19, was working at the back of a new home on S. Ella Creek when he was killed. Police believe robbery was the motive, but haven't been able to confirm whether anything was stolen.

In a news conference Thursday afternoon, HPD said a witness heard one gunshot and saw a man running away.

That man is described as a dark-skinned black male, standing between 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall, with a slim to muscular build. He was wearing a black hoodie that had white/gray stripes going down the arms and around the opening.

"If we allow this individual to continue to act like this, to kill an innocent person that's out there working hard and minding his own business, the next person could be your brother or your father or your mother," said HPD Homicide detective Sgt. Warren Meeler.

Madrano's family describes him as the perfect example of a good Samaritan.

"I really and truly believe that he did not deserve this," said his brother Erick Gutierrez. "Nobody does."

Police say the potential suspect ran southbound from the crime scene. He may have jumped a fence into Oak Ridge Apartments or Sienna Courtyard Apartments.

Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest and conviction should call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). There's a $5,000 reward.