On the night of May 19, 2023, at about 10:15 p.m., 43-year-old Juan Gerardo Banda Reyes was found on the side of the Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) in Houston with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Witnesses reported a dark pickup truck fleeing immediately after the shooting.

Authorities identified 17-year-old Eduardo Gomez Jr. as a suspect; he surrendered on May 26 and was charged with murder in the 178th State District Court. Court documents say the incident began with a traffic-related altercation on the Pierce Elevated section of the Gulf Freeway. Gomez and his girlfriend told investigators Reyes had cut them off, that Reyes exited his vehicle and approached quickly, and that Gomez shot him in fear. A witness, however, said Reyes exited his vehicle with his hands up and did not act aggressively. Gomez is also accused of running over Reyes as he fled and failing to notify authorities. Investigators say a bag containing money, a gun, and Gomez’s identification was found near the scene.

Did anyone in the area see the dark pickup truck or the events on the Pierce Elevated that night?