Houston 18-year-old's family's seeking justice in his murder, teen suspects identified

The family of Juan Carlos Jr., an 18-year-old who was shot and killed five months ago, continues to seek justice as one suspect remains on the run. One suspect has been arrested, but the family left court Tuesday with more questions than answers.

Juan Carlos Jr. was killed at the Willow Springs Apartments in Brookshire. Investigators from the Brookshire Police Department have identified 17-year-olds Justin Anthony and Eric Anthone Watts as suspects. Anthony is currently in jail with a $300,000 bond, while Watts remains at large.

Family continues to grieve

What they're saying:

Araceli Garcia Cortez, Juan Carlos Jr.'s mother, expressed her grief, saying, "I feel dead in life. I feel like I'd rather be dead and not be living here."

Juan Carlos Rodriguez, the victim's father, said, "They [Brookshire Police] are searching, they are looking for him, and they do not know his whereabouts, but we put our hope in God."

Image 1 of 5

 

The Rodriguez family faced their first holidays without Juan Carlos, who would have turned 19 on January 16 and graduated from Royal High School on January 23.

"My child was a happy child, very good, he was not bad, he just wanted to get ahead, he wanted to start his own construction company," Garcia Cortez said.

Willow Springs Apartments shooting

What we know:

Juan Carlos Jr. was allegedly shot and killed by 17-year-old's, Justin Anthony and Eric Anthone Watts in Waller County.

Watts has not been located, however, Anthony has been charged with murder and is on a $300,000 bond.

Who was Juan Carlos Jr.?:

Family described Juan Carlos Jr. as a good kid who loved his family. He was a son, brother, uncle and cousin. He loved to sing and ride horses. 

Image 1 of 5

 

What's next:

Anthony was scheduled to appear in court today, but the judge rescheduled the hearing for late March, leaving the family with more questions than answers.

Justin Anthony

"We are very sad," Garcia Cortez said. "We spent Christmas, Thanksgiving, and in two days it is his birthday, and we want justice. Today we thought that they were going to give us something to feel better."

Eric Anthone Watts

Brookshire Police Department are still searching for Watts.

What you can do:

Brookshire Police urges anyone with information about Watts or his whereabouts to contact the Brookshire Police Department, Waller County Crime Stoppers or your local law enforcement officials. The public is advised not to approach Watts, as he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Waller County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of Eric Watts. Your identity will remain confidential. If you have any information, please call the Brookshire Police (281-375-5000) or Waller County Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line (979-826-8266).

The Source: FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia spoke exclusively with the Rodriguez family and confirmed investigation details with the Brookshire Police Department.

Crime and Public SafetyHouston