2 shot and killed blocks apart within minutes in Third Ward
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It was a busy and violent night for officers across Houston.
There were at least four shootings overnight, and two of them were in the Third Ward.
If you live in the area and have a Ring camera or a front yard camera, police want you to check it.
The two Third Ward shootings happened within minutes of each other, about a half-mile apart. Now, two men are dead, and the killer(s) got away.
The first man was shot multiple times outside the Scott Food Mart on Tierwester Street and Winbern Street around 7:50 p.m. Wednesday.
The 36-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the shooter -- who was wearing all black, a hoodie and a red mask -- fled the scene on foot, westbound toward a nearby apartment complex.
Officials released surveillance photos of the shooter.
Around 8:30 p.m., a man was shot a few streets over in the 3100 block of Anita Street.
Police believe the victim is between 25 and 30 years old.
Investigators said witnesses reported hearing several gunshots near a bike trail on Anita. A short time later, the man was found dead.
There's a possibility the shootings are gang-related, but investigators said they're still trying to figure that out.
"Out of protection for yourself, your family, your own community... let's talk about what's happening and who's involved so we can talk about who's responsible," Cmdr. Caroleta Johnson said.
If you have good video, police want to talk with you.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
