Michael Spike Haynie, 63, was shot and killed outside Sun Washateria in southeast Houston on June 18, 2019. Known as Spike to friends and a member of the Urban Animals roller skaters group, he was remembered as funny, a lover of music, a gentleman and an only child who had lost both parents young. Chronic back pain contributed to his unemployment and living on the streets.

A 27-year-old security guard, Lance Campbell, told police Haynie became aggressive and walked toward him, prompting Campbell to fire one shot that killed Haynie. Surveillance video shown at trial contradicted that account, depicting Campbell approaching Haynie, turning over his cart, drawing a gun and then firing. Campbell was charged with murder and went on trial.

Haynie’s friends have pressed for his memory to reflect his life rather than his homelessness, and the case raised questions about how vulnerable people are treated.