Father shot in head during haircut at west Harris County salon

KATY, Texas – Harris County sheriff's deputies are investigating a deadly shooting at a west Harris County hair and nail salon.

Family members identified the victim as Elmer Villatoro, 39, a customer at the salon.

"Ever since I've known him, very caring. I just don't see that somebody would do something like this to him," said Araceli Villanueva, Villatoro's sister-in-law.

Deputies said Villatoro was shot in the head while getting his hair cut around 3 p.m. at a salon in the 2500 block of Fry Road.

Authorities said a white or Hispanic man in his mid-20s parked a black four-door vehicle in front of the store, walked inside the salon, approached the victim, who was also described as white or Hispanic, put a gun to his head and fired one shot into the back of the man's head before leaving the salon in the same vehicle.

RAW VIDEO: Harris County authorities give update on deadly salon shooting

Two other employees and another customer were inside at the time of the shooting, but they were not injured, authorities said.

Authorities said nearby businesses are cooperating and providing surveillance video.

Investigators are questioning witnesses nearby. One woman said she is shocked something like this happened in broad daylight. 

VIDEO: Surveillance video of suspect in deadly shooting released

"I mean it's broad daylight, the police station is right there. Who does that? (There's) a day care center right there, I mean that's crazy," she said.

Villatoro is the head chef at Antonia's Restaurant in the Katy area.

The restaurant is having a wine dinner Aug. 17 at 6:45 p.m. and the proceeds will go to his family.

Investigators said they are reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses to get a better description of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Office at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS 

 

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