Houston police are investigating the death of a man at 4700 IH 45 North on Wednesday, July 6, 2004, at about 10 p.m.
HPD Homicide Investigators M. Sosa, Jr. and L. Benavidez reported: The suspect, Rafael Flores Garcia (H/M DOB: 02-14-67), was taken into custody and will face charges for the death of the victim, Jose Lopez, 24. Further investigation revealed Garcia had smuggled three immigrants.
The exchange of the immigrants was to take place in the parking lot of a grocery store at 4711 Airline. Lopez, the brother of one of the immigrants, met Garcia in the south corner of the parking lot.
Garcia raised the price for the release of Lopezs brother from $1500 to $1800. An argument ensued between Lopez and Garcia regarding the amount of money that was to be paid. Garcia then fled the parking lot driving west bound over the curb across the service road and exit ramp, and onto Hwy 45 North with Lopez hanging on the drivers door.
Garcias vehicle was struck by a northbound van on the freeway service road, causing Lopez to be thrown away from the truck and land on the pavement.
Lopez was transported to Memorial Northwest Hospital where he was pronounced dead as a result of the injuries that he suffered.
The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement will file charges in this incident.
