Houston man accused of fatally shooting father over parking spot

Authorities in Houston have charged a man who allegedly shot and killed a father over a Walmart parking spot. According to ABC13, the suspect, identified as Christopher David Hernandez, was arrested and detained in the aftermath of the fatal incident. But he was later released after he posted a $300,000 bond.

The deceased man Hernandez fatally shot was identified as Joshua Lazard. The suspect has since been charged in connection with his murder.

“If it’s something as stupid as a parking spot, come on,” Lazard’s wife, Itasca Dickson, told the news outlet. “I’m sure that man has a family, so why would you shoot somebody over something so small?”

The judge who set the suspect’s bond on Sunday labeled him an extreme danger to the community as he opened fire with many people around. Hernandez was released on Monday after he posted bond. But per the conditions of his bond, Hernandez will be on house arrest and also wear an ankle monitor. He is also prohibited from driving or having any weapons in his possession.

Authorities said the fatal encounter happened in the parking lot of a Walmart store on Saturday. Hernandez allegedly shot and killed Lazard after they got into a dispute.

“The witness who was just getting her reusable grocery bags out of her car in the Walmart parking lot saw (Lazard) yell at someone, ‘You don’t know how to drive.’ Then saw (Lazard) walking towards the Walmart and saw (Hernandez) approach the complainant,” the judge said in court.

Authorities said Hernandez then shot the victim multiple times. Following the shooting, the suspect entered the store and contacted the police. Lazard was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The deceased man was a husband and father of three. “I can’t make these children be men by myself. That wasn’t my responsibility. That was his,” Dickson said.