Fernando Villarreal, 41, was fatally shot on June 7, 2024, at about 12:40 p.m. outside a gas station at 6420 Gulf Freeway in Houston, Texas. Surveillance footage shows Villarreal and a man later identified as 20-year-old Carlos Ray Paez had been at the gas station together for more than three hours before the shooting; the nature of their interaction during that time has not been disclosed. After the shooting Paez fled the scene and surveillance images were released to help identify him.

Villarreal, a Brownsville resident born December 4, 1982, was remembered by family and friends as a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who led a free-spirited and humble life. The motive for the killing and the precise relationship between Villarreal and the suspect remain under investigation. A memorial page has been created so loved ones can share memories and condolences.

If anyone was at the Gulf Freeway gas station that afternoon or has information about who Villarreal and the other man were with, please come forward.