HOUSTON – The nephew of a Spring Branch ISD Police Department dispatcher has been arrested, accused in his uncle’s murder.
Jose Torres, 37, was shot and killed on Friday while working in the yard of his home on Mallard Stream Court in northwest Houston.
On Sunday, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Torres’ nephew, Antonio Guzman, 22, was taken into custody and charged with murder in connection to Torres’ death.
The father of two had just moved into the neighborhood with his family two months earlier. Law enforcement says that move appears to be a motive in this case.
According to court documents, Guzman was raised by Torres. The documents allege Guzman confessed to shooting Torres because he felt unwelcome and unloved by him because the family had moved to a new home.
Arrest update: this morning, the victim’s nephew, Antonio Guzman (12-24-01), was arrested at his residence in the 7200 blk of Fairbanks N. Houston by members of the @houstonpolice SWAT. Guzman has been charged for the murder of his
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) November 17, 2024
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The tragic news devastated the SBISD Police Department. In a heartfelt statement, the department described Torres as a hardworking, kind-hearted man who loved his family deeply.
“Jose leaves behind a wife and two beautiful daughters,” the statement read. “He was taken from us by a senseless act of violence while he worked to make a better life for his family.”
Colleagues praised Torres calling him an “outstanding dispatcher and a wonderful man.”
He was a dispatcher for five years and had made a long term impact on his colleagues.
“It’s tough, it’s rough,” said Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge, who was at a loss for words. “He’s such a good man, a true genuine, wonderful man. Anytime someone passes you hear great things about them, this is without hyperbole, he was such a gentleman, such a kind soul. You knew, you just knew he was a good man.”
Baimbridge continued, “I know you all met him recently. You had done a story and you got to see firsthand just how nice and genuine of a person that he is and so I think that is why it’s so incredibly difficult for the department.”
Funeral arrangements are pending.
