HOUSTON – A suspect accused of killing his grandparents was injured in a shooting involving deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, authorities said.
The shooting happened in the 11800 block of Cathy Drive in northwest Harris County at around midnight, but the victims’ bodies were discovered about a mile away in the 12800 block of Foxburo during a welfare check, investigators said.
Deputies received reports that two people were killed by a family member on Foxburo. According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, they were told the suspect was making comments about a murder he was involved in and located him on top of a roof at the Cathy Drive location. Gunfire was exchanged and the suspect was hit several times, Gonzalez said. He was transported to the hospital in fair condition.
Gonzalez said no deputies were injured in the incident.
“He was a bit hidden and when they encountered him, we believe gunfire was exchanged,” Gonzalez said. “We’re trying to confirm that he did indeed shoot but our initial indication was that he did fire at deputies. Deputies returned fire, striking him several times, at least.”
Update: suspect is said to be in fair condition. The two deceased persons (male 72 y.o. & female 70 y.o.) at the Foxburo residence, are believed to be the suspect’s grandparents. It appears that both sustained gunshot wounds. Both locations are in fairly close proximity,
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) June 15, 2023
1/2 https://t.co/bgKTuLrscb
Investigators searched the home where they said the grandparents, a 72-year-old man and 70-year-old woman, were found. At this time, detectives have not revealed a motive or how the grandparents died.
KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel spoke with family friends who said the couple were kind people and their grandson had been living with them.
“It breaks my heart to be in the position that we’re in,” Justin Ekster said. “They were trying to help him, I can tell you that, 100% they were trying to help him.”
Ekster continued, saying, “They were the nicest people in the world doing the best, whatever they could for their grandson.”
The deputies involved are on administrative leave, which is protocol.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as 19-year-old Memphis Marchand. Investigators have charged Marchand with capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault of a public servant. He remains in the custody of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.