Theodore Guardiola, a 62-year-old Hispanic man known affectionately to friends and family as “Frito,” was a Houston resident whose life was cut short in a shocking act of violence. His death on a Saturday evening in late 2020 left his community searching for answers and a suspect on the run. The year 2020 saw a significant increase in homicides in Houston, with the city recording over 400 killings, a number not seen in decades, as communities across the nation grappled with a surge in violent crime.
The fatal encounter occurred around 5:45 p.m. on December 12, 2020, in a residential neighborhood in east Houston. Houston Police Department patrol officers were called to the 600 block of Boyle Street, near Brownwood Street and the East Freeway, after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arriving at the address, they found that Mr. Guardiola had sustained a serious gunshot wound. Paramedics rushed him to a local hospital, but his injury was too severe. Doctors pronounced him deceased, turning a quiet evening into a scene of tragedy.
Homicide detectives from the Houston Police Department immediately began their investigation at the Boyle Street location. According to witness statements gathered at the scene, the shooting was not a random act of violence. Witnesses quickly identified the gunman as someone close to Mr. Guardiola: his 31-year-old stepson, Gilbert Valenzuela. They told investigators that Valenzuela shot his stepfather and then fled the area before police arrived, sparking a manhunt.
Based on the evidence and witness accounts, the Harris County District Attorney's Office moved swiftly. On December 14, just two days after the shooting, formal charges were filed against Gilbert Valenzuela in the 176th State District Court. He was charged with murder and felon in possession of a weapon. The Houston Police Department publicly released Valenzuela’s name and a photograph, asking for the community’s assistance in locating him. At the time of the announcement, however, Valenzuela was still at large.
The sudden and violent nature of Theodore Guardiola’s death left his loved ones to navigate an unexpected and profound loss. In the aftermath, family members created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the unforeseen costs of a funeral and burial, a testament to the sudden financial and emotional burdens placed upon them.
The investigation into the murder of Theodore “Frito” Guardiola was led by Sergeant R. Watson and Detective K. Collier of the HPD Homicide Division. As of the last public reports in December 2020, the case remained open, with Gilbert Valenzuela wanted for the murder of his stepfather. Authorities have not announced an arrest, and the case represents one of the many unresolved homicides from that violent year in the city.
The Houston Police Department continues to ask for the public’s help. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gilbert Valenzuela or any other details regarding the shooting of Theodore Guardiola is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
