Houston, Texas – A man has been charged with murder in connection to the death of Rasshauud Scott, despite not being the one who fired the fatal shot.
Scott’s mother is seeking further accountability following her son’s death in what appears to have been a staged robbery in north Houston. William Winfrey faces murder charges as he is accused of orchestrating the robbery that ultimately led to Scott’s tragic demise.
The incident unfolded on January 27 at a gas station on Ella Boulevard at Greens Parkway, where Scott pretended to rob a couple. Witnesses described how Scott struck one of the victims with a pistol during the fake robbery. A bystander, believing the situation to be a genuine threat, intervened by shooting Scott out of fear for his and the victim’s safety before fleeing the scene. The bystander, who was later revealed to be on probation, turned himself in for questioning before being released.
Scott’s wife disclosed to detectives that the robbery was planned and not the first time her husband had participated in such staged incidents. The scheme involved creating a facade of a legitimate robbery for the victims to later make insurance claims and profit from the orchestrated crime.
Further investigation led to the identification of Winfrey, who admitted to engaging in staged robberies with Scott to earn money. Winfrey’s involvement in providing Scott with an airsoft gun for the staged robbery that turned deadly highlights his role in facilitating the dangerous act.
Apart from the murder charge, Winfrey may face additional legal repercussions, as indicated by law enforcement authorities. Another individual, Selzer Fernandes, has also been charged in connection to the case for tampering with surveillance video related to an active homicide investigation.
Scott’s mother, grappling with her son’s untimely death, urges others to avoid getting entangled in such illicit schemes for quick financial gain. She emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the lasting consequences of making reckless choices in pursuit of easy money.