Josue Flores: Three years later and a killer is still out there

HOUSTON, Texas - Today marks three years since the brutal murder of 11-year-old Josue Flores.

The sixth grader was walking home after school when he was stabbed multiple times, and left to die. Houston Police are trying to shine light on this case with the hopes that someone will come forward.

Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, spoke earlier at a press conference today.

"Josue had dreams of becoming a doctor. Imagine a child who dreamed of healing people and saving lives had his taken at the hands of a cowardly murderer," he said.

Josue Flores will be always be remembered as a bright young boy with a warm smile, his photos a constant reminder that justice is needed.

"This is really important to us as a community, not just Northside community but as a Latino community. We need to know that this city cares about us," says Dr. Christel Bastida, a concerned community member.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo announced that cold case detectives are taking on the task, starting their investigation from the very beginning. Andre Jackson, the man who was charged, but released remains a suspect in this case.

Acevedo also wants the public to take a close look at the man seen running away on surveillance video, he is a person of interest they still have yet to speak with. The community has come together to put up more funds for reward money.

"What we are trying to do is perform a concert, a benefit concert to raise that money the difference between what we’re doing and what other people have done is that within three months if the crime is not solved, they take their money back," said Jose Vega.

In the same spot where Josue murdered, his neighbors gathered in prayer, and attended a mass in his honor.

The new hope in this case is a piece of DNA evidence that was submitted to a lab in Utah. Authorities feel confident they will soon get a break in Josue’s case. Acevedo said

"Come forward now and ask for mercy because if we get you before you come to us, we’re going to ask this community to hold you to the highest level of accountability possible," said Acevedo.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the murder of Josue Flores, so if you have any information that would help police please call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.