Jessie Tello

In the early hours of Thursday, September 13, 2018, a life was tragically cut short in North Houston. Jessie Tello, a Hispanic man, was found deceased in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 300 block of Rosamond Street, a residential area just east of the Hardy Toll Road. The discovery marked the beginning of a homicide investigation that has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers. The quiet neighborhood, filled with apartment buildings and single-family homes, became the scene of a profound and violent loss.

Houston Police Department officers were called to the location where they found Mr. Tello. He had sustained a single, fatal gunshot wound to his mid-torso. Emergency responders from the Houston Fire Department arrived at the scene, but his injury was too severe, and he was pronounced dead in the parking lot. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unknown, as police have not released information about a possible motive or whether any witnesses have come forward with details of the event itself. The lack of public information leaves a void in the timeline of Jessie’s final moments.

The investigation into the murder was launched by the HPD Homicide Division. Detectives began the meticulous process of gathering evidence and canvassing the area for potential leads. In the days and weeks that followed, however, the case grew cold, with no suspects publicly identified or arrested. The case represents one of the many unsolved homicides in the Greater Houston area that year, a statistic that offers little comfort to those who knew and loved Jessie. Each unsolved case leaves a lasting impact on the community, a sense of justice unfulfilled and a lingering fear that a killer remains at large.

In an effort to generate new leads, Crime Stoppers of Houston became involved, announcing a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging or arrest of the person or persons responsible for Jessie Tello’s death. This financial incentive is a common tool used by law enforcement to encourage individuals who may have crucial information, however small it may seem, to come forward while guaranteeing their anonymity. The appeal to the public underscores the critical role that community members can play in helping investigators solve complex cases.

In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe campaign was organized by Sandra de Aranda to help cover the unexpected costs of a funeral. This effort to support Jessie’s loved ones during their time of immense grief reflects the immediate and painful aftermath that follows such a sudden loss. While details about Jessie's life, his age, his work, and his family ties have remained private, the creation of the fundraiser shows a community of people who cared for him and sought to honor his memory.

As of late 2018, the investigation into the murder of Jessie Tello remains open and unsolved. The Houston Police Department continues to seek information from the public. The questions of who took his life and why remain unanswered, a heavy burden for his family and friends to carry. The case is a somber reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the long road to justice that many families are forced to walk.

Authorities urge anyone with information about this case to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division or to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. Tips can be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org, or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.