HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department continues to search for a man who investigators say shot and killed his estranged wife late Wednesday night.
According to police, Aaron Leach-Veliz, 42, has been charged with murder.
Police said Veliz hid in the bushes outside his home in the 8100 block of Findlay, until his wife, Armandina Leach, showed up to drop off their son.
That is when investigators say Leach-Veliz shot his wife multiple times. The 44-year-old was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
"When I received the call this morning I thought I was dreaming," said Nena Pina, one of Armandina's best friends.
Pina said the victim went by the name "Maribel". She was a hairdresser who owned "Maribel's Hair Salon" on Evergreen Drive in Southeast Houston.
Thursday morning one of Maribel's regular customers showed up to the salon for a haircut, only to learn the tragic news. "I'm just really in shock because I saw her a couple months ago and I just expected her to drive up and she didn't show up," the customer said.
Pina said the couple separated about a week ago and Maribel was planning to get a divorce, but she never would have guessed it would end like this. "He was a gentlemen with her and I don't know what was going through his head," Pina said.
Leach-Veliz fled on foot and was last seen walking eastbound on Findlay.
Armandina Leach, 44, was shot multiple times. She was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The weapon has been recovered.
Police believe Veliz may be armed and dangerous and is most likely a flight risk trying to flee to Mexico.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Leach-Veliz is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. You could receive up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.