Houston police release photos of men sought after security guard killed outside Onyx strip club

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Police hope newly-released photos can help them identify two men wanted for questioning in connection to the shooting death of a strip club security guard in west Houston.

Family members identified the security guard killed while working at Club Onyx early Wednesday morning as 32-year-old DeLaunte Maxie.

The gunman is still on the loose.

Houston police said one of the men caught on security video leaving the club is described as a Black male, about 5'10", 230 pounds, with long, two-toned dreadlocks. He was wearing a black sweater and orange shorts.

The other man seen on security video has short hair and was wearing a Black Panther T-shirt.

According to investigators, one of the men got into an argument with the security guard outside the club in the 3100 block of Bering Drive near Richmond Avenue just after 3 a.m.

During the argument, the suspect reportedly pulled out a gun, but didn't fire it.

The gunman got into a dark-colored Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with black rims and paper tags and left, but then turned around and came back to the club, police said.

As Maxie approached the Jeep, he was shot once in the abdomen, according to investigators.

After the shooting, a second guard fired back, HPD said.

Maxie's sister told ABC13 that she wants her brother to be remembered as a kind and hardworking man.

She said he had just celebrated his birthday last month and loved his four daughters. She also had a message for the gunman.

"Turn yourself in, please. Turn yourself in fast. Turn yourself in. You're a coward," she said.

Maxie was rushed to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Officials told ABC13 that the club likely should've been closed, but they aren't sure if it was afterhours.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the victim's family with expenses.

Anyone with information in this case or on the identities of the persons of interest is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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