Authorities in Houston are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man, identified as 45-year-old Lance Fontenot, who was found on North Hamilton Street earlier this week. According to the City of Houston's official news release, Houston police responded to the scene around 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday after receiving reports of a body.
Responding to the call, HPD patrol officers found Fontenot, who is believed to be homeless and unresponsive. Paramedics pronounced him deceased shortly after their arrival. An initial probe into the case, as conducted by HPD Homicide Division's Sergeant C. Ponder and Detective K. Stringer, has brought witness statements to light suggesting that Fontenot, earlier the same day, could have been engaged in a physical confrontation with another individual also described as homeless.
As of now, the official cause of death remains undetermined. The city awaits results from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, where an autopsy is to verify the exact cause. The absence of immediate signs of trauma has left investigators considering various possibilities, with more answers expected to follow the medical examination.
The Houston Police Department is calling for anyone with knowledge pertaining to this incident to come forward. They've urged the community for assistance stating, "Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600," as they navigate through the details of what led to Fontenot's death, as per the City of Houston's official news release.
