On October 15, 2023, at about 11:10 p.m., Houston police found 26-year-old Marco Antonio Escayola unresponsive on a second-floor motel balcony at 3528 Southmore Boulevard in the Third Ward. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say Escayola had met with 21-year-old Demetrius Marquise Veal at the motel; a physical altercation occurred and Veal fatally shot Escayola before fleeing.

Authorities arrested Veal on October 26, 2023, and charged him with murder. A second arrest that day named 23-year-old Dajhun Demarcus Barber on a tampering with evidence charge tied to the incident; both were taken into custody without incident. Escayola, born July 17, 1997, in Laredo, Texas, lived in Houston and is survived by his wife, Mariah Marie Chano, and their unborn son, expected February 3, 2024. Funeral services were held in South Houston and Laredo.

Anyone who knew Marco, saw him in the Third Ward on October 15, 2023, or has information about the events at the motel is asked to come forward.