Crime
Houston Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Alisha Parker
HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Police Department (HPD) Homicide Division has released an image of the suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Alisha Parker at a convenience store on 1206 Barker Cypress Road.
The incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. on February 4, 2025.
According to investigators, the suspect—whose identity remains unknown—was captured on surveillance footage exiting the passenger seat of Parker’s black BMW before the shooting took place.
He was last seen wearing a gray Nike T-shirt, green pants, and black-and-white shoes.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Alisha Parker unresponsive in the driver’s seat of her vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel pronounced her deceased at the scene.
HPD has released a surveillance image of the suspect in hopes that the public can assist in identifying and locating him.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, certain details cannot yet be disclosed to avoid jeopardizing the case.
Authorities urge anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers immediately.
Friends and community members describe Alisha Parker as a compassionate and kind-hearted individual who was always willing to help others.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Alisha. She had a beautiful soul and always wanted to see others succeed. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten,” a close friend shared.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call HPD Homicide Detectives at (713) 308-3600 or provide an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).
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.