The owner of a north Houston smoke shop was found dead inside the business yesterday, and homicide detectives are now trying to piece together what happened during the overnight hours. An employee discovered the body after noticing something off about the storefront, and police say one person of interest is already in custody. Authorities have not released the victim's name while the medical examiner completes its review.
Scene and Discovery
Officers were called to Daze Elevated in the 8600 block of N. Houston Rosslyn Road on Saturday afternoon after an employee drove by and saw the shop's "open" sign lit even though the owner's vehicle was not in its usual spot outside, according to Click2Houston. The employee went inside, found the owner lying dead in the back of the business, and contacted authorities. Detectives later collected surveillance footage that they say suggests a shooting may have occurred around midnight.
About the Shop
Daze Elevated's website lists a north Houston address and advertises hemp-derived and THC-A products, details that helped confirm the storefront where detectives were working, according to Daze Elevated. As of Saturday evening, the business's online pages did not include any public statement about the death or the ongoing investigation.
Investigation and Custody
Houston police said one person of interest is in custody after being arrested earlier in the day by another unit on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle that investigators believe is connected to the case, according to Click2Houston. Homicide detectives have not yet questioned that individual and no formal charges related to the death have been filed. The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office has not completed its review to determine the official cause and manner of death, and investigators say the case remains very much active.
How to Help
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Houston Police Department's Homicide Division at 713-308-3600, per the department's contact page, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Detectives say they are reviewing surveillance and other evidence and are urging neighbors with video or information to come forward as the probe continues.
