Reward renewed in case involving man shot, killed saving mother from purse snatcher

HOUSTON – Houston Crime Stoppers has renewed the reward for information involving the shooting death of a man who was killed while trying to rescue his mother from armed robbers.

James Weldon Ecford, 25, and his mother were coming home from an outing around 11 p.m. April 11 when she was confronted outside the home in the 8500 block of Sands Point Drive by a man demanding her purse, police said. Her son, who had gone into the house ahead of her, heard her cries for help and ran to her.

According to police, the two men began to struggle and at some point, the robber pulled out a gun and shot Ecford. Police said a second shot was fired at the mother, but it missed her. She was unharmed.

Ecford was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

Crime Stoppers and the victim's family are offering $20,000 for information leading an arrest in the case. 

Police said there were three other men in the 4-door compact car with the gunmen. The said the men may have ties to the area where the shooting happened and may know someone who lives in the complex. 

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.