Homeowner shot to death by masked men during home invasion

HOUSTON – A homeowner was shot to death Thursday during a home invasion in northeast Harris County.

Investigators said that around 11 p.m. at least three masked men forced their way into a home in the 11004 block of United Street.

Deputies said the homeowner, a man in his 20s, didn't have time to defend himself before the men fired several shots and killed him. They also held the homeowner's girlfriend at gunpoint, deputies said.

According to deputies, the masked men damaged the gate and ransacked the home before getting away in an unknown vehicle.

Investigators said the homeowner may have been targeted.

“Nobody really knows what a robber wants when they go in, but you can probably imagine they would want money, drugs or property, stuff that they can resell. At this point, we hadn't determined what they may have been looking for in this particular home invasion," said Greg Pinkins, with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide unit.

Harris County deputies said they are reviewing surveillance video at the home for clues.

“I don’t think he had an opportunity to defend himself. I think that they forced their way in and gunfire began shortly thereafter," Pinkins said.