Update 6:59 a.m. EST Dec. 29: Authorities have identified the two men who were shot and killed while filming a rap video near Houston.
In a Saturday night tweet, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the victims have been identified as Jonathan Jimenez, 22, and Gonzalo Gonzalez, 20.
Update: the two deceased males have been identified as Gonzalo Gonzalez (20) and Jonathan Jimenez (22). If you have any info about this incident, call @CrimeStopHOU at 713-222-TIPS (8477). #HouNews https://t.co/YZZJ2UbYil
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 29, 2019
Update 10:15 a.m. EST Dec. 28: In a tweet Saturday morning, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the number of people shot was increased to nine. In addition to the two dead people at the scene, one person was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. The other six people injured remain hospitalized, the sheriff said.
Update: we are now at 9 total gunshot wound victims: 2 were confirmed deceased at scene, 1 was critical, the others remain hospitalized. Anyone with info is urged to call @CrimeStopHOU at 713-222-TIPS. https://t.co/f0AtkRMZGH
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 28, 2019
According to the sheriff's office, it is not yet clear if the victims knew the suspects, and it is possible more people were injured and are in need of medical attention but fled the scene, KHOU reported.
Gonzalez told NBC News the investigation is only preliminary, but it appeared a group of men was filming a rap video in the parking lot of an office park when shooting began.
"All of the sudden, basically they were ambushed, we believe, by individuals in cars and/or foot," Gonzalez told the network.
Both fatalities were pronounced dead at the scene, and at least one of the deceased was shot in the head, KHOU reported.
Capt. J. Shannon of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office tweeted the known victims’ statuses, CNN reported.
Filming of a music video was scene of multiple shootings near Smart and Berwyn streets. 2 deceased, 4 transported from the scene, 2 others with gunshot wounds have shown up at area hospitals.@SheriffEd_HCSO @HCSOTexas @HCSO_D2Patrol pic.twitter.com/NmCeY7FaQj
— Captain J. Shannon (@HCSO_NightShift) December 28, 2019
Original report: Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told KHOU the victims ambushed in the parking lot where they were filming the video.
According to the sheriff's office, it is not yet clear if the victims knew the suspects, and it is possible more people were injured and are in need of medical attention but fled the scene, KHOU reported.
Gonzalez told NBC News the investigation is only preliminary, but it appeared a group of men was filming a rap video in the parking lot of an office park when shooting began.
"All of the sudden, basically they were ambushed, we believe, by individuals in cars and/or foot," Gonzalez told the network.
Both fatalities were pronounced dead at the scene, and at least one of the deceased was shot in the head, KHOU reported.
Capt. J. Shannon of the Harris County Sheriff's Office tweeted the known victims' statuses, CNN reported.
Update: we now believe the number of gunshot victims to be at least 8. A group of Hispanic males (in their 20s) were filming a music video in the parking lot when unknown suspects possibly drove by and opened fire on the group. #HouNews https://t.co/f0AtkS4Ayf
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) December 28, 2019
Investigators do not yet have suspect descriptions or a motive for the ambush, both outlets reported.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who can help them in this case call them at 713-921-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
Check back for updates to this developing story.
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