GALVESTON, Texas – Galveston police are investigating a deadly home invasion.
According to investigators, two men broke into the home on Back Bay Circle and Heards Lane around 1 a.m. Tuesday.
"Galveston police department received a 911 call from neighbor saying she heard a woman screaming for help," said Capt. Jeffery Heyse with the Galveston Police Department. "At least two men broke in and during the robbery, there was a struggle."
Officials said one of the suspects had a gun and shot the homeowner, later identified as 31-year-old Cedrick Champion. He died at the scene.
"That is my sister's child," said Yvette Rittenhouse who is the victim's aunt. "His mother just got out of the hospital. We are all shocked. I just talked to him yesterday."
Champion was the oldest of three boys and is described by his family as loving and always wanting to see people around him smile.
Champion's fiancee, who was also inside the home at the time, was not hurt.
Galveston police told Local 2 the suspects fled the scene with some undisclosed items.
"We don't believe this was a random robbery, but the victim's fiancee says she did not recognize the men who broke in," said Capt. Heyse.
When police arrived, officers began searching for the men responsible. Two men matching the suspects' descriptions were seen leaving the area in a white Dodge truck about a mile from the house. Officers pulled the truck over.
Police identified the passenger as David Keith Allen. The 33-year-old is charged with murder. Officers said they found evidence with Allen linking him to the crime.
The driver was questioned and released.
The second suspect is still on the run. Police described him as a Hispanic male. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Derek Gaspard at (409) 765-3778.
"We have some good leads, and we will be interviewing witnesses, as well as contacting the suspect's associates," said Capt. Heyse.
Due to the suspect search, Galveston ISD put three schools on lockdown this morning: Oppe Elementary, Parker Elementary and Early Childhood University at Weis.
The district said when students arrived at the schools, they were escorted inside the buildings, where they will be kept until the lockdown was lifted shortly before 11am.