3 men sought in connection with deadly cantina shooting in NW Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Houston police are searching for three men in connection with a deadly shooting outside a northwest Harris County bar.

Houston police said two groups of people got into a verbal argument inside the Chulas Sports Cantina at North Gessner Drive and Highway 249.

The argument traveled into the parking lot where police say shots were fired.

Police said 20-year-old Aluxes Maresa was shot in the head and later died at a hospital.

James Butanda, 26, was shot in the torso and taken to a hospital in critical condition, officials said.

Maresa's uncle, Rolando Mares, said she was out with her boyfriend, Butanda, and catching up with friends from high school. He said she had just turned 20 years old on Aug. 7.

Police said they found three types of shell casings in the parking lot, leading them to believe there were three shooters.

"We all have our moments, but she always had a smile on her face -- and I'm just going to miss her a lot," Rolando Mares said.

Officials released surveillance pictures of the possible shooters.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Department.

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