Murder Suspect in Fatal Shooting in Sharpstown Area Motel Apprehended in Mississippi, Faces Extradition to Harris County

In a recent development, the suspect wanted and charged in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Keyanna Mercer at 6868 Hornwood Drive on September 2 is now in custody. The suspect, identified as Joshua Zimmerman, 30, also known as Vincent Guerino Juliano, has been charged with murder in the 183rd State District Court.

Houston Police patrol officers responded to a report of a deceased woman at a motel at the aforementioned address on September 2 around 8:45 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Ms. Mercer inside a motel room, having sustained at least one gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of Houston Fire Department paramedics, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Further investigation revealed that the motel room had been rented by Zimmerman and Mercer. Witnesses reported hearing screams coming from the room followed by a gunshot. Zimmerman was observed leaving the location alone shortly after the incident.

On September 5, Zimmerman was officially charged for his involvement in the shooting. In an effort to locate him, investigators released a surveillance photo of Zimmerman and sought information on his whereabouts.

Last Friday, September 29, officers from the Southaven Police Department in Mississippi arrested Zimmerman on separate felony charges. Following his arrest, he was booked into the DeSoto County Jail in Hernando, Mississippi. It has been confirmed that Zimmerman will be extradited to Harris County to face the murder charge in connection with Keyanna Mercer’s tragic death.