HOUSTON – Houston police have released surveillance video showing six persons of interest they want to question in connection with the deadly shooting outside the Paradise City gentleman’s club at on the Gulf Freeway on April 4.
According to the Houston Police Department, investigators said the six people are described only as three males and three females. Police said two vehicles may be associated with them: a red or maroon sedan and a white SUV.
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What police say happened
The shooting happened around 5 a.m. when Houston police responded to reports of gunfire at the business. Officers arrived to what investigators described as chaotic conditions and a large crowd in the parking lot.
One man was killed. Police said another man was injured and expected to survive.
Victim identified
The man who died has been identified as Miguel Angel Padilla Franco, 33. KPRC 2’s Jaewon Jung met with Franco’s family and friends, who knew him as “Nawfside Linco,” a well-known figure in Houston’s slab car culture.
Loved ones said he was a familiar face in the community and part of a group of blue-car enthusiasts known as the “Blue Line.” A vigil was held the day after the shooting at Divine Shine Car Wash in the Second Ward, where friends and relatives described him as generous, upbeat and “the life of the party.”
A benefit for Franco’s family will be held on April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Exotic Pop on Almeda Road.
Investigation continues
Investigators said the violence may have started with a disturbance inside the club before it spilled into the parking lot, where at least one shooter opened fire into a crowd. Police have said the victims appeared to be innocent bystanders and not involved in whatever sparked the initial conflict.
HPD has also said a security guard returned fire during the incident. The guard was detained and questioned, but police said he was cooperating and released without charges.
The department has not released a motive and has not announced any arrests. Detectives have been collecting evidence, including ballistics, and working to review surveillance video. Police have noted that camera blind spots could limit what was captured, making additional witness tips critical.
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the persons of interest is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).