HOUSTON, Texas – An 18-year-old Houston man is facing murder charges after allegedly coaching a 16-year-old through a robbery that resulted in the teenager’s death. The victim, Edwin Quinones, was shot on Dec. 12 and was later found dead in an elevator at the Haven at Elgin apartments.
According to court documents, the suspect, Larry Holmes, has been charged in connection with Quinones’ death, even though he was not present during the robbery. Police reported that the teen was killed when he attempted to rob two men at gunpoint in an elevator, resulting in a struggle that led to the fatal shooting.
Holmes has been charged with felony murder through the Texas “law of parties,” which holds each person involved in a crime criminally responsible as a “party” to the offense. In this case, Holmes allegedly “encouraged” Quinones to carry out the robbery, leading to the fatal outcome for which he is also legally responsible.
Legal analysts have pointed out that the person who shot Quinones will likely not face charges as their actions would be considered self-defense. At the time of Quinones’ death, Holmes was already facing three prior felony charges in Harris County and is now being held on a $275,000 bond.
Residents of Haven on Elgin have expressed their concerns, stating that gunfire is unfortunately a common occurrence at the apartment complex. Holmes is expected to appear in court again on Jan. 4. This case raises questions about the law of parties and the unique circumstances in which individuals can be held criminally responsible for actions they did not directly carry out.