Nicholas Bautista, a 37-year-old Hispanic man, was shot and killed outside his home on Wafer Street in Pasadena, Texas, on October 28, 2018. He was with his girlfriend, Elizabeth Patlan, when Oscar Aristides Garcia—owner of a Pasadena transmission-repair shop—confronted them after following them from a restaurant. Garcia, armed with a shotgun and apparently believing Bautista was stealing pickup tailgates, spoke to Bautista in Spanish; Bautista did not speak Spanish, attempted to walk away and call the police, and was shot in the back, dying instantly.

After the shooting Garcia fled, destroyed security camera recordings from his shop and a nearby taqueria that had captured him following Bautista, and went to El Salvador, later bringing his wife and three children. He returned to the United States more than two years later and was arrested by U.S. Marshals. In January 2023 Garcia pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison; prosecutors had sought 50 years and the defense asked for 15, with credit given for 776 days already served.

Bautista worked as a maintenance technician specializing in electrical work at SMC Industries in Houston and was remembered by family as a passionate Houston sports fan and devoted relative. If anyone knew Nicholas, his routine, or saw the events that night, please share what can help complete the record.