Crime
15-Year-Old Girl Killed, Two Men Injured in Southwest Houston Shooting
Houston Police Department (HPD) homicide detectives are actively investigating a tragic shooting that occurred late last night in the parking lot of a restaurant on Bellaire Boulevard near Hillcroft Avenue in Southwest Houston.
The incident left a 15-year-old girl dead and two men injured.
According to preliminary reports, two men in a Chevy Trailblazer opened fire on two individuals in a Honda.
In response, someone in the Honda reportedly fired back.
Authorities believe three to four individuals were involved in the exchange of gunfire.
Casualties:
- Deceased: A 15-year-old girl, whose connection to the incident remains unclear, was transported to the hospital by friends but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
- Injured:
- A 19-year-old man sustained critical injuries and was transported to the hospital by emergency services.
- A 29-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was privately transported to a medical facility.
Deputies from Precinct 5 quickly arrived at the scene, securing the area and setting up a perimeter.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and HPD detectives are working to piece together the events leading up to the incident.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-884-3131. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
This tragic incident has left the community shaken, and authorities are committed to bringing clarity and justice to those affected.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.