HOUSTON – Homicide detectives with the Houston Police Department continue investigating a triple shooting on the city's southwest side, and they have released the names of the victims.
It happened at 4:15 p.m. Monday at 6634 Westwick Drive. That is when, investigators say, a neighbor reported hearing a gun shot. Le "Lena" Nguyen, 29, and Brandon Vu, 10, were shot at close range and died at the scene; Hoai Tranh Vu, 40, remains in Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition.
Police said Brandon Vu is the son of Hoai Tranh Vu. Police said all of the victims were shot in the head.
Investigators told Local 2 that Tranh Vu's 14-year-old son arrived home from school and discovered his father on the couch, covered in blood. Police said the boy also discovered water running in an upstairs bathtub.
"You could just tell this guy was working so hard to save his life," said Lt. John Zitzmann with the Houston Police Department. "There was a considerable amount of blood. I'm gonna guess he turned the (water on) to apply wet towels and try to stop the bleeding."
The 14-year-old reportedly ran to an uncle's house after he found the victims and they called 911.
"These are not random acts of violence," said Zitzmann. "Something happened. This is revenge, this is jealously, this is something."
According to police nothing was taken from the home, so investigators do not believe robbery was the motive. There was also no forced entry.
"Two black males were seen hanging out near the open garage," said Zitzmann.
The same men were also spotted running from the area, according to witnesses, who said they saw them speed away from the scene in a silver, four-door sedan.
Early Tuesday morning, investigators were seen leaving the home with evidence they had collected. Police are investigating the shooting as possibly drug related.
"That's terrible for that to happen," said Debbie Vela, a neighbor who lives only a few doors down. "I'm afraid now."
"They have our condolences," said neighbor Stacy Harris. "I wouldn't wish that on anyone, not my worst enemy."