Houston Teen Charged in Fatal Spring Branch Shooting That Killed 27-Year-Old Man

HOUSTON, Texas — A 19-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of a man found dead on a sidewalk in the Spring Branch Central area, according to Houston police.

Brandon Cheatom is charged with murder in the 208th Criminal District Court in the death of 27-year-old Darly Hernandez Hernandez.

Officers responded around 10 p.m. on March 28, 2026, to 3501 Hollister Road, near Hollibrook Elementary School, after receiving a report of a deceased male.

When officers arrived, they found Hernandez lying unresponsive on a sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

During the investigation, homicide detectives released surveillance video of a person of interest. Police said a tip later led investigators to identify Cheatom as the suspect.

Cheatom was arrested April 9 by the North Patrol Division Crime Suppression Team and subsequently charged with murder, police said.

The investigation remains ongoing.