HOUSTON, TX – A family in Southwest Houston is fervently seeking justice after their loved one was brutally beaten and robbed outside a local convenience store. The family of Gavin Melor, a 24-year-old who lost his life in the tragic incident, is urging the Houston Police Department to release surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the perpetrators.
The incident occurred on the night of March 2nd at a convenience store located at the intersection of West Ridge and South Main. Gavin’s sister, Christa Melcho, expressed her heartache and confusion over the senseless violence that claimed her brother’s life. “He was a gentle soul,” she said, tears filling her eyes. “It’s hard to understand why anyone would do this.”
Surveillance video from the night of the attack reveals a chilling sequence of events. Gavin is seen conversing with a group of individuals in a black truck when a man in a white shirt suddenly charges at him. The assailant knocks Gavin to the ground and proceeds to assault him. Out of respect for the family, the most graphic parts of the video have not been shared with the public.
Three suspects are currently being sought by police in connection with the attack. Gavin’s father, who viewed the footage, described the difficulty of watching his son be attacked and robbed. “I felt powerless,” he said, “seeing him hurt like that. He was such a good kid.”
Houston police have confirmed that Gavin was robbed by the man in the white shirt shortly after withdrawing cash from an ATM. A second suspect, wearing a black sweater with an orange design, is seen kicking Gavin in the head, while a third suspect wearing a pink bag joins in the assault.
The Melor family is haunted by the apparent indifference of the attackers, who seemed to be laughing during the attack. “It’s hard to fathom how they could find amusement in such cruelty,” Gavin’s father lamented. “I wish I could have been there to protect him.”
In memory of Gavin, who is remembered as a loving and kind individual, the family is urging anyone with information to come forward. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of each suspect, with the potential for a total reward of up to $15,000.
The parking lot was reportedly crowded on the night of the attack, and the family hopes that someone who was there might have crucial information that could lead to arrests.