This Wednesday was supposed to mark the seventh anniversary Krystal Carter and her fiancé, James Tolen, had planned together. Instead, two weeks after what police say was a fatal carjacking near Riverside Park, she is preparing to spend that day at a small remembrance at the scene, still pleading for leads in his killing.
What police say about the shooting
According to a news release from the Houston Police Department, officers responded to a robbery call at 2520 Calumet Street around 8:55 p.m. on Jan. 20 and found 41-year-old James Tolen with a gunshot wound. Investigators say two armed suspects approached the vehicle, forced the occupants out and tried to steal the car. When the vehicle would not start, police say a struggle over the keys followed, a suspect fired a shot and the men then ran away on foot.
Fiancée plans remembrance, pleads for answers
Carter told ABC13 she first knew something was wrong when Tolen stopped answering her calls and texts. She said she learned he was dead only when the medical examiner called her. “Not having the why is torture,” she said.
In Tolen’s honor, Carter is organizing an event focused on gun violence at Riverside Park on Wednesday, turning what should have been an anniversary celebration into a public call for change. KHOU aired a video feature in which Carter spoke about her loss and the ongoing search for the suspects.
Police release surveillance, seek public's help
Investigators have released surveillance images and are asking anyone who recognizes the men to come forward. According to the Houston Police Department, the two persons of interest are described only as two Black males who were captured on surveillance video. HPD asks anyone with information to call the Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Family left searching
Tolen leaves behind a 17-year-old son. Carter told ABC13 she fears the shooters could hurt someone else if they are not caught. “They took something from me, and if they’re not found, they could take something or someone from someone else,” she said, urging anyone who knows anything about the case to speak up.
