Police release photos of wanted suspects in fatal Denny's shooting

HOUSTON – Police are hoping newly released surveillance photos will help them find the suspects wanted in the fatal shooting at a Houston Denny's.

>>Click here to see more photos.

It happened 10:40 p.m. Monday at the Denny's located at 7300 Washington, near Memorial Park.

Police said three armed black men wearing bandanas and masks entered the restaurant and immediately fired several shots. The suspects ordered all of customers and employees to the floor and demanded their property. 

During the robbery, police said one suspect shot 64-year-old Robert Placette, of Katy, while another suspect shot a 43-year-old restaurant employee as he tried to run out of the business through the front door. 

Drue Placette said from the surveillance photos, it appears the robbers had a plan.

"What scares me more than anything right now is it will become a cold lead and nothing's going to happen. They will kill somebody else. They will kill again," said Placette.  He told Local 2, "My father's dead. Nothing you'll be able to do about that. But somebody can help stop that from happening again."

The suspects then drove off with another suspect in a minivan.

Mr. Placette died from his injuries at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The other victim was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Placette said the autopsy reveals his dad was shot twice; once in the shoulder and once in the chest.  He said his dad was hit as he acted as a human shield between children a the robbers' bullets.

Placette said, "They said he ducked. So, it looks like he got hit here. It looks like he bent down in front of the kids. So it makes me he really was a hero. That's what his intents were. So, I'm proud of him."

Police describe the suspects as black men.

Anyone with information about this shooting or the suspects is asked to call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.