17-year-old not indicted on murder charge stemming from stolen chips in Humble

Following a Harris County grand jury’s decision not to indict him on Tuesday, a 17-year-old accused of murdering a store clerk in Humble is now a free individual.

Mario Young faced charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Asif Maknojia, a store clerk, during an altercation that began over a stolen bag of chips.

Despite the lack of indictment, Young’s mother, Precious Ferguson, expressed concern for her son’s well-being, noting his physical and mental distress, as well as the need for counseling.

According to the Humble Police Department, on Jan. 19, Maknojia pursued Young and another individual by car after the chips were stolen. Court documents allege that Young was the one who fatally shot the clerk while they were on foot.

While Young’s attorney, Lott Brooks, argued that his client acted in self-defense, the other individual involved was not charged.

In response to inquiries about the grand jury’s decision, a spokesperson for the Humble Police Department stated that they provided all relevant information to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and respected the outcome of the legal process.

Representatives for Young, including his mother, extended condolences to Maknojia’s family. However, Maknojia’s brother declined to comment on the grand jury’s decision when contacted by.