Man dies after shooting at north Houston motel

Police are investigating after a man was found shot, in the parking lot of a hotel in north Houston. (KPRC)

HOUSTON – Police are investigating after a man was found shot in the parking lot of a motel in north Houston.

According to authorities, the shooting happened around 2:20 a.m. at a Palace Inn near the North Freeway and Kuykendahl Road.

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When police arrived, they found the man –identified as 39-year-old Ernest Smith - lying in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to his lower extremities, police said.

Emergency responders performed CPR on Smith as he was transported to a hospital, where he later died, police said.

Witnesses told authorities they heard arguing and saw Smith and two others fighting. During the altercation, Smith was shot and the two others fled the scene.

Police said Smith was staying at the hotel and the incident may have been a robbery.

Family and friends of Smith were at the hospital and spoke to authorities, police said.

Investigators are still working to learn more details about the shooting and possible gunmen. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.


About the Author:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.