The Houston community reels from a recent tragedy, as the family of 24-year-old Gavin Melchor earnestly seeks public assistance in identifying suspects from a brutal attack that led to his untimely death, mere steps from his southwest Houston home. Earlier today, the family made an appeal to the public, asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Surveillance footage near a gas station on Westridge and South Main streets shows the confrontation that escalated to violence, according to a KHOU report. In the video, Melchor is seen talking to individuals in a black truck, when suddenly, he is assaulted by a man in a white shirt. Chris Melchor, Gavin's father, and his sister, Christa Melchor, told KHOU how much Gavin meant to them and the profound sorrow his loss has caused. "He was just a really sweet brother, super nice to me," Christa Melchor said.
Gavin, remembered by his family for his smile and genial nature, worked as a warehouse distributor for Yumi Ice Cream for about two years. Coworkers expressed concern when he failed to show up for work following the day of the attack, as noted by KPRC 2. His aunt, Kimberly Melchor, underscored the urgency of the situation, explaining to KPRC 2, "We want the community to know that these three individuals are still walking free amongst your community, and they’re out there and we need your help."
In an apparent robbery gone fatally wrong, Houston Police investigators believe the attackers targeted Melchor after he withdrew cash from an ATM. Details from the scene described by authorities and obtained by KHOU suggest a gruesome scenario, where Melchor, described by his aunt as non-confrontational, was overpowered and beaten until he was unconscious. "If you look at the images, they are laughing and having a good time while my son is on the ground. That is why I call them cowards," Chris Melchor conveyed, expressing the heinous nature of the suspects' actions.
The Melchor family, now donning "Smile like Gavin" T-shirts with his image adorned with angel wings, carry the heavy burden of grief, their love for Gavin propelling them to seek justice. "These shirts also say Smile at Gavin, because anybody that knew Gavin knew that he was always smiling. He was always smiling. Big smiles," Kimberly Melchor told KPRC 2. Houston police, with the help of Crime Stoppers offering a $5,000 reward, continue their investigation, urging anyone with information relevant to the case to reach out. Tips can be directed to the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
