Suspect Arrested, Charged in 2021 Fatal Shooting at 13800 Gulf Freeway

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Suspect Arrested, Charged in 2021 Fatal Shooting at 13800 Gulf Freeway
Houston police have arrested a suspect charged in the fatal shooting of a man found at 13800 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) service road about 4 p.m. on April 2, 2021.

The suspect, Alexander Ray Gonzales, 21, is charged with murder in the 177th State District Court.  A booking photo of Gonzales is attached to this news release.

He is charged for his role in the death of Zeferino Baeza, 30.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives P. Pak, A. Henderson and J. Wallschlaeger reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a crash near the above address and found Mr. Baeza unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a black 2008 Dodge Ram pickup truck.  He had suffered an apparent gunshot wound.  Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced Baeza deceased.

A preliminary investigation and witness statements indicated the pickup truck was traveling southbound on the Gulf Freeway, exited at a high rate of speed, went over the curb and struck a pole near a business.  Witnesses also reported seeing a white sedan driving recklessly just prior to the crash.

Further investigation led to the identity of Gonzales as the suspect in this case.  He was arrested on Thursday (June 23) without incident and subsequently charged in the shooting.