Houston Police Investigating Fatal Shooting at Red Roof Inn Near East Freeway
Deadly shooting — Houston Police Investigating Fatal Shooting at Red Roof Inn Near East Freeway
In the early hours of Saturday, May 11, 2025, tragedy unfolded in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn off the East Freeway near Centerwood Drive, as a fatal shooting claimed the life of a young man in his 20s. The Houston Police Department (HPD) is leading an active and ongoing homicide investigation as questions continue to swirl around the precise circumstances that led to the deadly gunfire.
At approximately 1:30 a.m., HPD officers were dispatched to the Red Roof Inn following multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots and a possible altercation between individuals in the motel’s parking lot. When officers arrived at the scene within minutes, they discovered a young man lying unresponsive on the pavement, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel from Houston Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and attempted to render aid. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body remained covered in a white forensic tarp for several hours as crime scene investigators and homicide detectives worked methodically through the area, gathering evidence and photographing the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting occurred after an altercation between the victim and another man—described by witnesses as being in his late 50s or early 60s. That older man was detained at the scene without incident and is currently being questioned by HPD detectives. He has reportedly claimed that he fired in self-defense, a statement HPD has not yet verified publicly.
Location Context: A Red Roof Inn in Transition
The Red Roof Inn located at 11999 East Freeway has long been known as a relatively budget-friendly option for transient guests, truckers, and locals in temporary housing situations. However, in recent years, the area surrounding the motel has seen increasing reports of criminal activity, ranging from property theft and drug use to violent confrontations.
Located near the intersection of East Freeway and Centerwood Drive, the property is wedged between commercial businesses and residential neighborhoods, making it a frequent point of intersection for individuals from various walks of life. Motel guests from the night of the incident described being awakened by loud arguing, followed by several sharp, loud cracks that some at first mistook for firecrackers.
“We heard shouting — it sounded like two people really going at it,” said Maria Hernandez, a guest staying at the motel with her children. “Then we heard three pops, really close together, and then it got quiet fast. I grabbed my kids and got down on the floor.”
Witness Statements and Early Findings
As of Saturday afternoon, HPD detectives have interviewed several witnesses, including motel guests, staff, and individuals in neighboring businesses. According to early accounts, the victim and the detained man may have had a dispute that turned physical before escalating into gunfire. The nature of the altercation—whether it was personal, drug-related, or the result of a chance encounter—is still unclear.
Detectives with HPD’s Homicide Division are canvassing the property and surrounding businesses to obtain any available surveillance footage that might shed light on the moments leading up to the shooting. As of now, HPD has not confirmed whether the Red Roof Inn’s security cameras captured the altercation or the actual shooting.
Authorities are also conducting forensic tests to determine the trajectory of the bullets and the positioning of the individuals involved, which could prove crucial in validating or disputing the self-defense claim.
Legal and Investigative Path Forward
The man who allegedly fired the fatal shots has not been formally charged with any crime, and police emphasized that the investigation is in its earliest stages. Texas law provides broad protections for individuals claiming self-defense, particularly when they feel threatened in a location where they have a legal right to be. However, such claims must still be corroborated by evidence.
HPD spokesperson Sgt. Harold Dawson emphasized that, “We are approaching this investigation with an open mind. Every shooting, especially one that results in a fatality, is treated with the utmost seriousness. Our goal is to determine not just what happened, but why it happened, and whether the use of deadly force was legally justified.”
He continued, “We understand the public wants answers quickly, but these types of investigations can take time. Evidence must be collected, witness statements need to be cross-checked, and any surveillance footage has to be carefully reviewed.”
Pending Identification and Family Notification
As of this writing, the name of the deceased has not been released. HPD is waiting until the man’s next of kin can be located and notified. Sources familiar with the case indicate that the young man did not have identification on his person at the time of the shooting, further complicating efforts to contact family.
In cases such as this, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will conduct a post-mortem examination, including fingerprint analysis and toxicology testing, both of which may aid in identification and in understanding the victim’s state at the time of the shooting.
The family of the man, once notified, will also play a key role in providing context about his mental health, recent behavior, and whether he was known to carry a weapon or have any history with the accused shooter.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The fatal shooting has reignited concerns among residents and community advocates about the East Freeway corridor and the number of violent incidents tied to budget motels and roadside establishments in the area.
Tamara Cross, a local community organizer, said she’s seen a troubling increase in police presence around the Red Roof Inn and similar properties in recent months. “People who live near here — we see what’s going on. The motels are magnets for trouble when there’s no security, and guests are left to fend for themselves. It’s not just a policing issue. It’s a safety issue, it’s a public health issue, and it’s a community neglect issue.”
City council member Marcus Tillman issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and called for enhanced oversight of budget motels across Houston. “We need transparency, investment in safety infrastructure, and partnerships with these properties to prevent future loss of life.”
Appeal for Information
HPD is encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the altercation, heard any verbal exchange prior to the shots, or captured cellphone video to step forward. The Homicide Division can be reached at 713-308-3600. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or via the Crime Stoppers mobile app.
Even the smallest detail, investigators say, could be critical in painting a fuller picture of the tragic events that unfolded in those few minutes.
Ongoing Updates
As of this report, HPD has not filed charges against the detained man, nor have they released his name. The Red Roof Inn remains open but has cordoned off the parking lot area where the shooting occurred.
More details are expected to emerge over the next several days as detectives analyze evidence, finalize interviews, and await results from forensic labs. Channel2 NOW will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
This incident marks yet another violent chapter in a year where Houston has seen a spike in shootings and homicides — a trend city leaders and law enforcement agencies are working hard to reverse.
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