A 20-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a woman in a June shooting in Houston, according to authorities. Eduardo Melendez, now facing murder charges, was arrested in connection to the killing of Joann Cruz, 28, at 6420 Stratton Street, as City of Houston News reported.
The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m. on June 18, 2023, escalated when a dark blue or purple sedan, possibly an Infinity, was seen circling the residence before someone inside the vehicle fired shots, striking Cruz. Despite rapid response, Houston Fire Department paramedics' efforts were in vain as Cruz was later pronounced dead at Ben Taub General Hospital, the continuous investigation led to the arrest of Melendez on January 11.
Details provided by the HPD Homicide Division pinpointed Melendez as the gunman in the fatal shooting. The detectives on the case, identified as K. Fregia, G. Zavala, E. May, and C. Sharp, pieced together the evidence resulting in Melendez's subsequent charge and capture.
An official booking photo of the accused has been released in conjunction with the charges. Melendez awaits his day in court, charged under the 209th State District Court.
