Houston, Texas – A grand jury in Houston, Texas has chosen not to press charges against a man who shot and killed a robber inside a local taqueria last year. This decision came after the man, whose identity remains unknown, fatally shot 30-year-old Eric Eugene Washington, who had entered the El Ranchito taqueria in January 2023 while allegedly brandishing what appeared to be a gun and robbing the residents inside, with the entire incident captured on video.
The decision not to indict the shooter was made by a grand jury composed of 12 randomly selected residents. This jury meets regularly for a period of three months to review all criminal charges and determine whether there is enough evidence for a case to proceed. If nine or more grand jurors agree that probable cause exists, they issue an indictment, whereas a “no bill” is issued if nine or more grand jurors deem that probable cause does not exist, effectively clearing the individual of criminal wrongdoing.
After the shooting, the armed customer was described by Houston police as a White or Hispanic male who fired at least nine shots at the suspect. The security video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking a debate between those who believe the shooter’s actions were justifiable self-defense and activists who deemed it an act of vigilantism.
While some called for criminal charges to be pursued against the shooter, others argued that the man had reasonable cause to believe his life was in danger, justifying his use of force. The decision to not indict the shooter has sparked further discussion about self-defense laws and the use of lethal force in such situations.
Ultimately, the grand jury’s decision not to charge the man who shot and killed the robber inside the taqueria has raised questions about self-defense, vigilante justice, and the use of lethal force in potentially life-threatening situations.