Houston Police Need Help Identifying Persons Of Interest In Deadly South Central Shooting

HOUSTON, Texas – Houston police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two persons of interest connected to a fatal shooting that occurred last week in South Central Houston.

The shooting happened around 8:55 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2520 Calumet Street. Officers responded to a robbery call and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. He has been identified as 41-year-old James Tolen.

According to investigators, two armed males approached the victim’s vehicle and attempted to rob him. Both the victim and a passenger complied with the suspects’ demands and exited the vehicle. When the suspects realized the vehicle would not start, they approached the victim again to demand the key. A physical altercation followed, during which one of the suspects fired a weapon, striking Tolen.

The suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.

Detectives with the Houston Police Department Homicide Division have since identified two persons of interest they wish to question. The individuals are described only as two Black males. Surveillance video images of the persons of interest have been released by HPD. Investigators stress that they are not currently named as suspects.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the persons of interest or details related to this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.