UPDATE: Hearing reset for Subway murder suspects, due in court Tuesday

Teen suspects will face a judge Tuesday morning

HOUSTON – The teenagers accused of murdering a customer at a Houston Subway restaurant will face a judge Tuesday morning.

One of the suspects, Xavier Jones, turned 17 years old last Tuesday. That's the same day that police said he, and 17-year-old Dante Talbert, robbed and shot a man for cash and a cell phone.

"We believe they are also connected to several robberies at METRO bus stops off Cullen, Scott, and MLK," said Officer Richard Bolton with the Houston Police Department. "The two were friends and went to high school together. I don't see a lot of 17-year-old killers, but they are out there, and it is tragic.

Investigators said Jones and Talbert were armed with pistols, when they entered the Subway, located at 6410 Martin Luther King Boulevard, on the evening of September 17.

Thirty-six-year-old Christopher McGrew was the only customer inside the restaurant at the time of the robbery.

Police said during the robbery, McGrew struggled with the suspects and was shot. He died inside of the restaurant.

"We are in the healing process right now," said McGrew's cousin, Angela Johnson-Frazer. "It is hard for us right now, but we are really concerned for these two kids because that's what they are 'kids,' and now they will have to face the consequences of this crime. I can honestly say that I forgive them, but this will be something they will have to live with the rest of their lives.

According to family members, McGrew worked in his uncle's upholstery business.

"He was a talented artist, and was going back to church to get his life in order," said Johnson-Frazer.

Court documents revealed that witnesses inside of the Subway identified Jones as the shooter.

Local 2 looked into the criminal history of Talbert. Just a month ago, Talbert was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

"Talbert was wanted for two aggravated robbery charges with a deadly weapon, but we found him during a narcotics bust," said Officer Bolton.

Talbert is also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

According to detectives Talbert confessed to the crime, but said Jones was the one who pulled the trigger.

"He said he was at Xavier's house, and they bought a gun from a guy and said, 'Let's go hit a lick,'" said Officer Bolton.

Both suspects are charged with capital murder. They were expected in court at 9 a.m. Monday, but their hearing was reset for Tuesday.

Police ask that anyone who recognizes the two suspects from earlier robberies along Cullen, Scott, or MLK at METRO bus stops should call Crime Stoppers a call 713-222-TIPS.

Meanwhile, family members of McGrew are trying to prepare emotionally for his burial service. Funeral arrangements are set for Saturday. A memorial fund has been set up through Chase Bank to help financially support the family with funeral costs.