Mothers express frustration with HPD’s sluggish efforts in locating the shooter responsible for their sons’ injuries a month after the incident

More than a month has passed since the Houston Police Department responded to a shooting incident at an auto body shop on Lee Drive near Velma in Humble.

Rafael Smith, aged 32, remains hospitalized, while Jahmar Sampson, aged 33, succumbed to his injuries.

The shooter remains at large.

Latosha Smith, Rafael’s mother, expressed the emotional rollercoaster since the incident, from conversing with her son one moment to learning about his shooting shortly after. She described the uncertainty and the challenges Rafael faces on his journey to recovery.

Houston police disclosed that their homicide division has assumed control of the investigation. Detectives previously informed that the shooting suspect, an employee at the auto body shop, fled the scene before their arrival.

The mothers of the victims assert that the detectives haven’t given their case adequate attention, pointing out apparent gaps in communication and responsiveness, especially during weekends and holidays.

Rhonda Bailey, Sampson’s mother, voiced her anguish over the delay in apprehending the suspect, emphasizing the profound loss she feels as the parent of the victim.

For these mothers, achieving justice is paramount, as they grapple with the absence of their loved ones and the continued evasion of the perpetrator.