Father killed in shooting at Houston farmers market

HOUSTON — Two suspects were still at large Thursday evening, about 12 hours after shooting and killing a father of two at the popular Houston Farmers’ Market on Airline Drive.

Family members said Damon Price, 36, showed up for work every day at 3:30 a.m. They never thought he would be killed less than an hour into his shift.

According to Houston police, two suspects (possibly teenagers) had broken into a store at the Houston Farmers Market and were attempting to steal a golf cart parked near the exit.

Around 4:15 a.m., Price, who was responsible for controlling the trucks loaded with produce, confronted them and a fight broke out.

RELATED: ‘I’m just doing his job’ | Father of 2 shot and killed at Houston Farmers Market by men trying to steal golf cart, police say

Investigators said one of the suspects pulled out a gun during the fight and shot Price before they both ran away.

Houston police said they have several surveillance videos and hope they will help lead to an arrest.

Price’s family members are pleading for answers and say losing him this way is difficult to understand.

“He was my little boy, I know that,” said Leo Price, Damon Price’s father.

Leo Price said details of his son’s death were slowly coming in following the tragedy that rocked the family.

“I wasn’t frustrated, I was just hurt,” he said. “I love him. He was my son. He wasn’t perfect, which none of us are, but it happened while he was doing his job.”

Leo Price said security was a farmers’ market at the time, but instead of stepping in to help, they ran, leaving his son to die.

The loss of Damon Price leaves a void that the family will never be able to fill.

“He was a good man. He took care of his children. I didn’t expect this day to come,” said Damon Price’s ex-wife, Cheterria Alexander.

As the investigation continued, Alexander made a demand: “Everyone turn yourself in. Put down your weapons. Go to school. Be something. Damon didn’t deserve this.”

“We are devastated by the tragic event that occurred this morning and took the life of an innocent man and a beloved market employee. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, friends and together in the Houston Farmers Market community as we navigate this senseless tragedy.

“The Houston Police Department is actively investigating the situation and we are supporting them in any way we can – including working closely with Crime Stoppers (more details to follow) – to bring these criminals to justice.

“If you have any information about this crime, you are urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477).

“Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the indictment and/or arrest of the suspects in this case. Information can be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or via the Crime Stoppers mobile app Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

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