HOUSTON – Waking up on Christmas brought a somber and empty feeling for Raphael Rogers Davis’ parents.
The 32-year-old father, brother and son was murdered last month. His parents live in Brookshire, but they have been trying to spread the word in Houston.
“Since he’s not here, this is definitely not a normal Christmas,” James Davis, Raphael’s father told KPRC 2′s Corley Peel.
James said his son was last seen leaving the Harris County Jail on Nov. 12. His parents had a tracker on his car for safety, because he struggles with depression. They learned his car was impounded.
“I looked on the jail website and saw that he went on [Nov. 11] and was released on [Nov. 12]. We were expecting a call from him.” James said.
Their son never called. Instead, James received a call from the medical examiner, saying his son’s body was found. Detectives recovered his body near the 900 block of North York Street on Nov. 19. Investigators found he had a gunshot wound to his chest.
At this time, it is unclear exactly where or why Davis was killed. His family feels the white and light purple Nike Air Jordan shoes he was wearing when he left jail could be a clue.
“When they found his body, he didn’t have any shoes on. So, we don’t know if someone robbed him for his shoes or what,” James said.
Davis’ family are now trying to hold onto their Christmas memories with their son.
“My favorite Christmas memory is he would come and bring his son. And we would just spend time together, eat and just talk, laugh and have fun,” Sherrel Rogers, Raphael’s mother said.
All his family can think about now is justice.
“We just want the killer to know that we’re never giving up. We’re going to fight until the end. So, it’s just in his best interests to just go ahead and turn [himself] in,” Ymica Davis, Raphael’s stepmother said.
“This is definitely one of the Christmases that I’ll never forget. I’m not going to stop trying to find out who took my son’s life. I’m not going to stop until I breathe my last breath,” James said.
Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspects in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online here or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also contact the Houston Police Department.