Man Arrested in Fatal Shooting at Beechnut Street in West Houston

Houston authorities have announced the arrest of the suspect wanted and charged in the fatal shooting of a man at 9612 Beechnut Street on September 11. Luis Roberto Molina Cruz, 42, has been charged with murder in the 351st State District Court. The victim has been identified as Paul Farias, 42.

According to the Houston Police Department Homicide Division, HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call outside a restaurant at the above address around 3:45 p.m. on September 11. They discovered Mr. Farias unresponsive on the front patio with a gunshot wound. Despite efforts by Houston Fire Department paramedics, Farias was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigation and evidence from the incident revealed that Farias had been sitting on the patio with two adult females when a male suspect, later identified as Molina Cruz, approached them. An argument between the two men escalated, resulting in Molina Cruz allegedly shooting Farias before departing to his vehicle.

Molina Cruz fled the scene in a gray Honda Civic, prompting authorities to release surveillance photos of him along with his vehicle on September 12. Subsequently, Molina Cruz was charged for his alleged involvement in the incident.

On Thursday, September 21, Molina Cruz turned himself in to officers without incident and was booked into the Harris County Jail.