News

Actions

Texas deputy killed ‘execution-style’ while fueling patrol car

Posted at 8:49 AM, Aug 29, 2015
and last updated 2015-08-29 17:49:54-04

HOUSTON, Texas – A suspect was arrested Saturday in connection with the execution-style shooting of Deputy Darren H. Goforth at a Houston-area gas station, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said. Shannon J. Miles is charged with capital murder. The motive is unclear.

A handgun has been recovered and tests show it matches the weapon used in killing, Hickman said.

[Original story published at 7:51 a.m.]

A man shot a uniformed sheriff’s deputy “execution-style” while he fueled his patrol car in the Houston area, killing him instantly, authorities said.

Deputy Darren H. Goforth, 47, was returning to his car after pumping gas Friday night.

The gunman walked up from behind him and opened fire for no apparent reason, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said.

When Goforth fell to the ground, the gunman stood over him and shot him some more, authorities said. He died at the scene.

“He was literally gunned down in what appears to be an unprovoked, execution-style killing,” Hickman said. “I have been in law enforcement for 45 years, I have never seen anything this cold-blooded.”

The gunman gave no indication of his motive. He drove away after the shooting in a red Ford Ranger, authorities said. A manhunt is underway to find him.

“He (the suspect) did not say anything,” said Deputy Thomas Gilliland, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office. “If anyone saw anything … any leads we can get.”

Gilliland declined to name the suspect, saying they are still going over video from the gas station.

Authorities urged any witnesses in the area to come forward, saying some bystanders called 911 to report the shooting.

About 30 minutes before the shooting, Goforth had investigated an accident, but authorities said it’s unclear whether there was a connection to the attack.