Nathaniel Fuentes dies in fatal southwest Houston shooting
Fatal southwest Houston shooting death of Nathaniel Fuentes
Houston authorities are reconstructing the events leading to a fatal shooting incident where two men were discovered deceased within a southwest Houston park. The incident occurred at Wildheather Park located on W Fuqua Street.
According to the Houston Police Department, emergency dispatchers received a report shortly before 6 a.m. regarding the incident at Wildheather Park. Police investigations revealed that the two individuals, both retired residents in their seventies, were engaged in a walk through the park when they were victims of a targeted shooting.
Houston Police Department Sergeant Michael Arrington explained that the majority of the shots were fired from behind the targets, surprising them, followed by additional gunfire discharged from an elevated position by the suspect or suspects. The shooting does not appear to be connected to a robbery, and authorities have not determined a motive.
As stated by Sergeant Arrington, “Their activity was simply walking in the area,” he commented. “There is no evidence suggesting their pockets were searched or that anything was taken, which suggests this was more likely a targeted attack rather than a random act.”
The identities of the victims have been confirmed as neighbors who reside near the park and utilize the nearby trail daily. KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry connected with the son of one victim, Willie Fuentes, who identified his father as Nathaniel Fuentes.
Willie Fuentes shared his father’s character, describing him as a positive influence who emphasized faith for his children. He expressed, “I pray for the individual responsible, hoping they seek forgiveness, as I know my father is now in heaven,” he stated.
Willie Fuentes mentioned that his father had been taking his morning walks on the trail behind the park around 5 a.m. for several months. He noted that he and his father recently began walking together. Several local residents reported hearing gunfire between 5:40 a.m. and 5:50 a.m.
Forensic evidence at the scene included a significant number of shell casings. A neighbor’s surveillance footage recorded the shooting incident, and the footage also showed a white vehicle speeding away. Law enforcement considers this vehicle potentially linked to the incident.
The precise number of suspects remains unknown to investigators. Police have advised park visitors to remain cautious while officials continue their search efforts.
