HOUSTON – Police are looking for three men who they believe were involved in a fatal beating and burning of a man in the 1300 block of Witte Road in West Houston on Sunday morning.
Cameras caught a group of men walking near the apartment within an hour of the incident.
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Police say one of the men was carrying a red gallon-sized gas can.
"Witnesses there said they saw a man being beaten at the exit gate of the apartment complex. A few seconds later they looked back and they saw a fire coming from the gate area about where the victim fell down," said Sgt. Aurnald Semmelrock.
Police released two composite sketches of what they think two of the suspects look like.
Police said the victim left a gathering at the apartment complex and was heading home around 4 a.m. Sunday when he was approached by the suspects.
Arson investigators said they used a combustible substance to set the man on fire.
"We're under the impression that folks stopped to help, said Sgt. William Bush. "Every little piece helps. Someone may have seen someone who looked suspicious standing in the distance, but are afraid to come forward because they believe their information is not important. Any information is important to us."
Police don't know if the victim was randomly attacked or targeted, but they are considering the men dangerous.
Police believe the suspects were last seen wearing hoodies.
They say suspects one and two are between ages 17 and 23, have dark complexions and are between the height 5 feet, 9 inches, and 6 feet, with a skinny build.
The third suspect is believed to be in his early 20's, 5 feet, 2 inches, with light complexion and a medium build.
The victim was so badly burned that the medical examiner is having a difficult time identifying him, but believe he is from El Salvador.
Relatives have contacted men in El Salvador for DNA to get a positive identification.
If you have any information that could lead to an arrest call Crime Stoppers.