Suspect charged with 2 counts of murder after man is fatally shot, 2-year-old son is found dead in stolen car

HOUSTON (TCD) -- A 38-year-old man faces two counts of murder after he allegedly shot and killed a man at a gas station, then stole the victim’s car with his young child inside.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite said at a press briefing the department was investigating two homicides, one of which involved a 2-year-old boy.

At 1:46 p.m. that day, Houston Police responded to a gas station in a strip mall near Chimney Rock Road and El Camino Del Rey Street for a report of a shooting, and when they arrived, officers located a deceased 38-year-old male. KHOU-TV identified the adult victim as Michael Essien.

Satterwhite said the suspect and Essien got into a "possible argument." The suspect allegedly pulled out a gun, shot Essien "multiple times," and fled in Essien’s black SUV.

Essien was reportedly wearing a security uniform when he was shot and killed.

About five hours later, at 6:36 p.m., Houston Police received a call from a woman who wanted to report her son and husband missing. She provided details that linked the shooting at the gas station to her missing husband. Satterwhite said officers never knew there was a child involved until the call.

Officers located the vehicle on the 5900 block of Elm Street and "immediately observed a child in the backseat" who was not responsive.

Police officers broke the window and tried rendering aid to the little boy. An ambulance arrived, but he was declared dead. Satterwhite said he did not know the cause of death, but it "could be something like heat exhaustion."

The official cause of death will be determined in an autopsy. KHOU reports the little boy’s name is Micah Essien.

The suspect remained missing Tuesday, but Houston Police announced Wednesday, Sept. 21, that Bolanle Fadairo was arrested on the 5500 block of El Camino Del Rey Street at approximately 4 a.m.

He faces charges of two counts of murder and one count of tampering with evidence. Harris County Jail records show he was denied bond.

According to KHOU, Essien and his wife just had another baby, and they also had another son.

Micah’s aunt told KHOU, "Tell Houston, tell the whole world that I want my nephew back. He’s only 2 years old. He does not know how to hurt a fly. My brother has always been a peaceful man. I need my brother back."

MORE:

• Child found dead inside stolen vehicle - Houston Police via KHOU
• Suspect Arrested, Charged in Child’s Death and Fatal Shooting at 5501 El Camino Del Rey Street - Houston Police Department
• Bond set for man in death of 2-year-old found in stolen SUV after his dad was shot to death - KHOU
• Man charged with murder after 2-year-old found dead in stolen SUV after his dad was shot and killed - KHOU