Texas man shot, killed while trying to rescue mother from armed purse-snatching

Police say a man was shot and killed Monday night while trying to save his mother from an armed robber during a purse snatching.

James Weldon Ecford was shot in the head and died later a Houston, Texas hospital, according to KPRC.

The 26-year-old and his mother were just returning from an outing around 11pm when he went inside to the home ahead of her.

She was confronted outside in the parking lot by a man demanding her purse.

Police say Ecford heard his mother’s screams and immediately ran outside to help her.

Ecford and the man started to struggle and at some point the robber pulled out a gun and shot the son, KPRC reported.

The suspect got away in a small four-door compact vehicle with three other suspects.

The mother was not physically hurt, but the suspect was able to steal her purse.

‘If I would have had my wife and child next to me I would have been like here, take it.’

KHOU reported that the victim’s mother and father lived in one of the condos while he lived in his own not far away.

The family has lived in the complex since Ecford was born.

‘I heard two shots, and it was about 11.15,’ one neighbor who didn’t want to be identified told KHOU.

‘It was right outside my front door. I opened my door – the body was right there.’

The neighbor also told KHOU that she’ll forever be haunted by what she saw.

Police have yet to release a description of the gunman and the other suspects.

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

Source: The DailyMail