Snapchat video shows suspect in murder
HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The video is silent, but the pictures speak volumes. It's an argument between two women and a man when another man joins in. Investigators say as so often is the case these days, people pulled out cellphones to record the argument rather than call for help.
"They do, that's a good thing or a bad thing depending on which side of the camera you are on," said Houston Police Department Detective Fil Waters.
This time, the fight escalated into murder. Police say the man seen on video wearing orange pants and dreadlocks shot and killed 47-year-old Oscar Green. They say the killer frequently visits the intersection of Cook Road and Beechnut Street on a blue green Schwinn bicycle.
"We are told by people in the area that they know who he is, they don't know his name." said Waters.
Police say someone captured the Snapchat video and forwarded it to them. Back in September, two people posted a Snapchat video of themselves shooting guns out of their car windows. In short order, police had arrested aspiring rapper Michael Cuellar and Sierra Tarbutton.
A few days ago, video of a man firing a gun in Cottage Green Park made it to police via Snapchat. Police quickly arrested 22-year old Edwin Soto. Police are hoping social media lightning will strike a third time.
"We have had some really, really good luck out of the last two Snapchat cases and we're hoping that we will have the same luck with this video." said Waters.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is encouraged to contact the HPD Homicide unit or Crime Stoppers of Houston by phone at 713-222-8477 (TIPS), online by visiting https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=610, by text message by sending TIP610 and the information to 274637 (CRIMES) or with the Houston Crime Stoppers in the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store and the Blackberry App World. Crime Stoppers is willing to pay up to $5,000 for any information that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect in this case. People who submit information to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous.