Paul Vasquez was an 8-year-old boy from Cloverleaf, Texas, who was shot and killed in the early hours of June 12, 2022, while sleeping in his bed. He was struck in the chest by gunfire, managed to tell his mother he had been shot, then became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at Ben Taub Hospital. His mother and two older brothers were in the home but were not injured.

Investigators concluded the shooting was a case of mistaken identity and that Paul was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by. Authorities identified two suspects: Jalonie Floyd Ernest, believed to be the shooter, and Denzel Jordan Perkins, who was driving the getaway car. Both were charged with murder; Ernest’s bond was set at $1 million. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for information as the investigation continued.

Anyone who knew Paul or has information about the shooting is asked to come forward to assist the investigation.