HOUSTON – A man accused of killing an Afghan refugee over a parking spot has been indicted for murder.
Katia Bougere was indicted by a grand jury Monday in connection with the April shooting death of Abdul Waziri at the Gables at Richmond Apartments.
Waziri, a loving father and Afghan Refugee who fought alongside the US Green Berets, was fatally shot during an argument over parking, according to Houston Police.
Surveillance video showed Waziri parked with his hazards blinking near the mailbox when Bougere pulled up behind him. The two exchanged words before Bougere allegedly shot Waziri and then walked away. When first responders arrived, Bougere reportedly handed over the gun before being handcuffed. He was released shortly after.
KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel spoke with Waziri’s brother, Abdullah Khan, who expressed relief that Bougere has been charged but concern that he was only issued a summons to appear in court rather than being arrested immediately after the indictment.
“I don’t want him to come out and hurt someone else,” Khan said.
Attorney Christian Capitaine, not affiliated with the case, noted that issuing a summons instead of an arrest warrant after an indictment is rare, especially for serious charges like murder. The District Attorney’s office also tells KPRC 2 that Bougere does not have an attorney.
“It would imply confidence that he will turn himself in and cooperate, but it’s highly unusual,” Capitaine said.
Khan shared heartfelt memories of his brother, saying, “I miss everything about him, our conversations, our laughs. He was my person.” He is now hoping for justice.
According to court records, if Bougere does not appear in court on August 5, a warrant will be issued for his arrest. Attempts to reach Bougere have been unsuccessful.