Giovano Cruz, 17, was found dead in the backyard of a home in the Yaupon Ranch subdivision of Cypress, Texas, on December 21, 2024. Deputies arrived about 10:30 a.m. after a resident discovered the body. Investigators determined Cruz died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Neighbors reported hearing gunfire in the neighborhood the previous night at about 11:00 p.m.; deputies from the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office checked the area then and did not find suspicious activity. It is unclear whether those shots are related to Cruz’s death. No arrests or suspects have been announced and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office homicide unit is handling the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Did anyone in Yaupon Ranch hear or see anything that could help investigators?