HOUSTON – Friday will mark five years since 35-year-old Christopher Hinton-Mena was found shot to death inside his Jeep Wrangler at a Walgreens parking lot on Cullen Blvd and Reed Road.
His mother, Marnita Hinton, says not a day goes by that she doesn’t think about what she saw that morning.
“He was in his Jeep, slumped over. It was an unbelievable sight,” said Hinton. “It’s a sight to no parent should ever see,”
Hinton-Mena had just gotten off a 16-hour shift working as a security guard and was out with friends the night before he was killed.
“My child wasn’t a troubled child. He hasn’t had any problems with anyone,” said Hinton. “He was loved.”
Hinton describes her son as full of laughter, outgoing and loving. She said her son acted as her caregiver because she is handicapped and he would always assure her that he was safe.
“He would always say, ‘oh, mama, ain’t nobody gonna mess with me,'” said Hinton.
Houston Police said Mena was possibly shot around 3 a.m. the morning of November 14, 2020 at the intersection of Cullen and Reed, then pulled over to the Walgreens parking lot where he died.
Surveillance video in the area captured a black Malibu. Hinton said detectives also have video of someone jumping a fence in the area.
“You can hide, you can run, but you will get caught. Just turn yourself in,” said Hinton.
A cross stands outside the Walgreens where Hinton-Mena was discovered. Hinton said that cross has already been taken down twice.
“I keep putting it up,” said Hinton.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $15,000 reward for anyone who can help find Hinton-Mena’s killer.
A balloon release will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Houston Memorial Garden to mark five years since his death.
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