HOUSTON – A man killed three family members at a north Houston automobile dealership because he was angry that his car was repossessed, prosecutors said Wednesday.
James Tinsley IV, 21, is charged with capital murder.
Police said an employee of Immaculate Auto Sales at 202 Little York Road found three men on the floor in the office of the business on Jan. 8.
Tony Contreras, 60, and his brother, Jessie Contreras, 51, died at the scene. Tony's son, 22-year-old Casey Contreras, suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Court records show that Tinsley also tried to set the business on fire.
"He acts as if he's talking on his cellphone at which point he takes a gun out of his bag (and) shoots the three individuals," said prosecutor Lisa Calligan. "He then pulls out a gas can and pours it around and tries to light the place on fire, but was unable to light it on fire."
The victims' family members were in court Wednesday for Tinsley's hearing.
"Coming to court and hearing it officially described, the crime, it's overwhelming," family member Joey Contreras said. "It's heartbreaking."
The family said the whole experience has been challenging.
"We're a very close family, and we are all struggling still, and this arrest just reopened a very tender, raw wound," said Contreras. "It's very difficult."
Tinsley was taken into custody on Saturday without incident. Prosecutors said Tinsley's girlfriend turned him in after he told her about the crime. He is currently being held without bond.