‘Suspect’ and ‘victims’ staged robbery when armed bystander stepped in, HPD says

The Houston Police Department has revealed that the robbery incident in northwest Houston preceding a fatal shooting at a gas station in January was actually orchestrated. Initially reported as a bystander intervening in Rasshauud Scott’s apparent armed robbery of a couple, it has now been disclosed that Scott, along with the couple, staged the robbery. Their intention was to file a false report with the police and exploit their status as crime victims to apply for a U nonimmigrant visa, commonly known as a “U visa.”

U visas provide individuals with a work permit while awaiting the resolution of their case. This revelation came to light as police uncovered text messages exchanged between Scott and a man named William Winfrey on the night of the shooting. These messages indicated their intent to fabricate the robbery, with Winfrey instructing Scott to make the scene appear authentic.

Further investigations revealed that Winfrey and Scott had staged several similar robberies dating back to 2023, all aimed at assisting the purported victims in obtaining visas. Immigration attorney Silvia Mintz emphasized that U visas are often sought after in discussions with potential clients, particularly those who have been victims of crimes like assault or domestic violence. However, Mintz warned of the serious consequences of fabricating such incidents, as individuals found to have lied to obtain a U visa could face permanent bans from the country.

Despite the revelation, no criminal charges have been located against the individuals who claimed to be victims in the robberies on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27.