Police: Houston robbery suspect shot victim, went through his pockets as he died

Police released harrowing details of the deadly attempted robbery of a man leaving for work early Tuesday morning in southwest Houston and hope a new composite sketch and surveillance video can help identify the suspect accused in the shooting.

Ramone Alviso Esquivel, 56, was waiting outside his apartment complex for his brother to pick him up for work around 5 a.m.

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Detectives believe the suspect was near the apartment complex in the 8400 block of South Course Drive, near Beltway 8 and Beechnut, already burglarizing cars in the parking lot as Esquivel stepped outside.

Houston detectives released this composite sketch of a suspect tied to a fatal shooting at 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, near an apartment complex in the 8400 block of South Course Drive, near Beltway 8 and Beechnut. less Houston detectives released this composite sketch of a suspect tied to a fatal shooting at 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, near an apartment complex in the 8400 block of South Course Drive, near Beltway 8 and ... more Photo: Houston Police Department Photo: Houston Police Department Image 1 of / 63 Caption Close Police: Houston robbery suspect shot victim, went through his pockets as he died 1 / 63 Back to Gallery

The suspect spotted Esquivel and tried to rob him, according to HPD Homicide Division Sgt. Hector Garcia. When Esquivel fought back, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot him twice, Garcia said.

As Esquivel hit the ground, the suspect started rifling through the victim's pockets as he lay dying, Garcia said. Witnesses who heard the gunshots from inside their apartments rushed outside and scared away the suspect.

Esquivel died at the scene, Garcia said.

"This person is a predator looking for people to rob," Garcia said. "Unfortunately for (Esquivel), in this case he actually killed somebody."

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Detectives released surveillance video showing the suspect attempting to open a gate at the apartment complex, which is believed to have been before the shooting.

He is described as a male with a slim build in his late teens or early 20s. He was wearing a light-colored T-shirt and light-colored pants at the time.

Detectives hope the man's distinctive hair, which had highlights, will help someone identify him.

Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan.