KATY, Texas – A Katy father was killed just feet away from his wife and two children during a kick-in style home invasion early Wednesday morning.
The shooting has shocked a community. Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies swarmed into the Westborough Crossing apartments after the family inside the downstairs unit cried out for help.
"I did hear the sirens and I came out and that's when I saw all of the cops and the ambulance and fire trucks," said resident Meagan O'Brien.
She says what she heard and saw next broke her heart.
"The little boy that he plays with he ran up to me and told me that his dad was shot, and that he was dead. And how could your heart not fall," O'Brien said.
According to detectives, at around 1 Wednesday morning, three masked men knocked through the victims' door and ran into the bedroom where a husband and wife were sleeping. Their two boys -- ages and 9 and 13 -- were also inside when the suspects fired at least one shot at the father of two.
The victim, identified as 38-year-old Jesus Escobedo, died on the scene.
The rest of the family was unharmed.
"It's just so close, it's right there. People have knocked on our door real late, and we didn't want to answer so it scares me," said O'Brien.
"I feel sad, because Brandon's dad," said O'Brien's son, Paul.
Paul, who is a third grader, rode his bike to school knowing that he won't see his friend on campus. The same little boy who frantically tried to get his father some help will now have to help his mother plan an unexpected funeral.
"Anything he needs we are here for him. Anything," said O'Brien.
The victim's wife says the intruders came into the apartment and started making demands. She says the three were wearing masks so she could not give investigators a good description.
Investigators do not know the motive or if anything was stolen.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information are asked to Houston Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477) or the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division at (713) 967-5810.