Child Shot On March 1 In Drive-By Died Wednesday Night

HOUSTON, TX — One of two children shot in the Third Ward on March 1 died from his injuries Wednesday night. Authorities say Tristian Hutchins, 8, was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital nearly one month after he and his sister, Kheristian Hutchins, 5, were shot in the parking lot at 3944 Scott Street at 7 p.m. that evening.

Kheristian is out of the hospital and recovering at home after sustaining a gunshot wound to her leg.

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call in a parking lot at a shopping center. Twenty-eight days later, there are no known suspects, however, a black vehicle was seen fleeing the scene. The mayor and police are still looking for answers, and for anyone who knows something to step forward.

"The code of silence does not apply in these situations," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a news conference the morning after the shooting. "If you have any information, say something. You have an obligation to report it and let someone know."

"In this city, we draw a red line," Turner said. "This is not the new norm in our city, and we won't let it get that way. We are taking people off the street who dare hurt our children."

HPD Executive Assistant Chief Matt Slinkard said he believes there were multiple guns used in the shooting and believes there was more than one shooter. He wouldn't divulge what kind of weapons were used, nor give any leads they have so far. He said there were three children in the car at the time of the shooting, with two of them getting struck.

Slinkard said investigators are scouring all video surveillance to further track down any suspects.

"The mayor said we're drawing a red line, but we have a blue line of 5100 men and women dedicated to bring this to justice," Slinkard said. "I'm fully confident we'll be able to bring those responsible to justice for this heinous act. This is not the new norm. We are better than this. We'll leave no stone unturned."

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.