Tragedy struck Houston on Wednesday as police discovered the body of James Gerald Martin III, 37, deceased with multiple gunshot wounds. Martin had been reported missing following a deadly shooting at his residence in the 1700 block of West T.C. Jester Boulevard.
The shooting, which occurred on Jan. 27 around 8:30 a.m., took the life of Dana Ryssdal, 35. Police were searching for Ryssdal’s 2002 white Dodge Ram Pickup truck bearing Oregon license plate 915NLP, which was said to be missing from the residence.
The truck was reportedly found abandoned off a roadway in the 6900 block of Cullen Boulevard on Monday and is being processed for possible evidence.
Initial reports said police responded to a welfare check at the residence on West T.C. Boulevard and found Ryssdal suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene by officials.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences reportedly conducted an autopsy and formally identified the man as Martin and ruled his manner of death a homicide. At this time, there is no known motive or suspect(s) in the fatal shootings.
Detectives are asking anyone with information in this case to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
The Houston community is mourning the loss of two lives in what is now a double homicide investigation. James Gerald Martin III and Dana Ryssdal were both victims of the same tragedy and their families are left to pick up the pieces in the wake of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.