Surveillance Footage Released in Killing of Houston Boy, 11
Josue Flores, 11, was fatally stabbed as he returned home from a school party.
— -- Authorities released surveillance footage today that captures a Houston, Texas boy's journey home from school moments before he was stabbed to death in a brazen daytime attack.
In footage given to police from a neighbor's home-security system, Josue Flores, 11, could be seen on May 17 at one point crossing the street and then making his way home on the sidewalk. He is carrying a green backpack.
Police said just two blocks from where the footage was taken, the sixth-grader at Marshall Middle School was fatally stabbed around 4:45 p.m. He'd reportedly stayed late at school that day to attend a science club party.
According to police, witnesses said they "heard loud screaming" and saw Josue struggling with someone who eventually then ran off. Police said they found Josue collapsed in the grass near the sidewalk.
"Josue was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital to be treated for multiple stab wounds, but was pronounced dead a short time later," police said.
Josue's funeral was held today at Holy Name Catholic Church. Funds were being raised to help with the cost of funeral expenses.
"I wake up believing it's just a horrible dream, that I'll wake up and be able to see my brother again, talk to him about this," Juan Flores, Josue's brother, told ABC News affiliate ABC13. "When the burial is over it's something I have to accept, that it's reality."
In a plea for the public's help, authorities released the surveillance video hoping that it would lead them to the boy's killer. Investigators are still awaiting results on DNA evidence.
"This is a monstrous crime -- and I say that not just as district attorney but as a mother," Harris County district attorney Devon Anderson said recently during a news conference. "There is a monster who is out among us. You may know who he is. ... Your conscience needs to be your guide."
On May 18, Houston authorities named and arrested a suspect, charging the man with murder in Josue's slaying. On May 20, however, they announced that charges had been dropped because the man had a confirmed alibi.
"The murderer is still loose at this point," Lt. Robert Blain said that day during a news conference.
Josue's attacker is described as a black male, 25 to 30 years old, about 6 feet tall and weighing 180 to 200 pounds. Police said he had short hair and was wearing a black shirt, black pants and had a green jacket over his shoulders at the time of the attack.