HOUSTON – Harris County sheriff's detectives released a pair of sketches of the men believed responsible for the death of man at a north Harris County apartment complex.
James Paul Dillon was shot and killed during a home invasion at his sister's apartment on North Vista on Dec. 14.
"He wasn't just a brother. He was a devoted father, he was a son, an uncle, a cousin, a friend and just an all-around wonderful individual," said Jessica Easterling, Dillion's sister.
During a Friday news conference, Easterling wore a picture of her brother on a T-shirt with words, "God makes no mistakes." Easterling was in the apartment the night of home invasion, along with another man and her two daughters.
"That night was one of the most horrific nights of my life, and for my brother to be gone, it just hurts so bad because I don't have him here anymore and he's never coming back," said Easterling.
Easterling said four men with guns kicked in her front door and demanded that everyone get on the ground. Easterling said Dillon was asleep on the couch.
"Mr. Dillon woke up and stood up. I'm sure he was unaware what was going on and, obviously, they took that as some type of threat," said Detective Cory Pool.
Detectives said after killing Dillon, the men continued ransacking the two-story apartment before running off with cash and other items. Detectives believe the family was targeted at random.
"He'll give the shirt off his back if they would have asked for it, if they would have just gave him a chance to talk, but they didn't," said Easterling.
Detectives said they only received descriptions of two of the men. Investigators said a third man kept his face covered with a shirt and the victims did not get a good look at the fourth man.
"You might as well turn yourself in because you've got handcuffs on you and you don't even know it," said Sheriff Adrian Garcia.
"We, as a family, do not know where to start or where to begin in continuing our life journey without him," said Easterling.
Easterling said Dillon was about to finish school and begin a career as a diesel mechanic.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of these men. Anyone with information is asked to call 713-222-TIPS.