Houston, Texas – Four teenagers are now facing capital murder charges in connection with a fatal robbery at a convenience store in southeast Houston last month. The suspects, all juveniles aged between 14 and 16, have been referred to the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. Their identities and booking photos have not been made public.
The tragic incident occurred on March 20, just before 1 a.m., at a convenience store along the Gulf Freeway and Monroe Road. During the attempted robbery, one of the suspects shot 42-year-old store clerk Steven Mendoza De Luna, resulting in his death. Although De Luna reportedly had a gun, it is unclear if he was able to defend himself.
After the shooting, the three suspects fled back to their vehicle and drove away. Fortunately, no customers were present inside the store at the time. Following an investigation into the deadly incident, all four suspects involved in the robbery were identified.
Authorities took action in the following days, arresting two 14-year-old suspects and capturing the two 16-year-olds earlier in the month. The tragic killing shocked the community and highlighted the dangers that store clerks face while on duty.
The murder of Steven Mendoza De Luna has raised concerns about the safety of convenience store workers and the potential risks associated with late-night shifts. The arrests of the four teenagers involved in the fatal robbery serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing youth crime and providing support to at-risk juveniles.
As the case progresses through the legal system, the tragic loss of De Luna has sparked discussions about ways to improve safety measures for store employees and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved store clerk, emphasizing the need for justice to be served for the victim and his family.