Michael Essien, a 38-year-old man of African descent, was shot and killed on September 20, 2022, outside a strip center in southwest Houston following a dispute over money with Bolanle Olayinka Fadairo, a 40-year-old man who had been a high school friend. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Fadairo producing a gun and shooting Essien; Essien died at the scene.

After the shooting, Fadairo drove off in Essien’s SUV with Essien’s 2-year-old son still in the backseat. The vehicle was later found abandoned and the toddler was pronounced dead inside from heat exhaustion. Fadairo was arrested the next day and charged with murder and tampering with evidence.

Essien was a husband and father of four; his wife and three other children, including a newborn, survive him. His sister Jessie described him as peaceful and selfless. The case has deeply affected the family and community. Any readers who knew Michael Essien or have information about the events that day are asked to come forward.