Harris County Sheriff's deputies have arrested and charged a man in the murder of a teenage restaurant manager.
The break in the case came after investigators received a tip from a caller, through Crime Stoppers, who identified George Curry Jr. as a possible suspect in the shooting death of 19-year-old Edward Ricky Virappen.
It's news the teen's mother has been waiting to hear.
"I wouldn't say closure, but it brought some relief to us knowing that he is caught," said Barbara Virappen.
Virappen said her son had dreams of becoming an architect one day. This September he was set to join the U.S. Army to further that goal.
"He was a great kid and he is truly missed. He is a hard worker, he is very loving to each and everyone," she said.
Edward Virappen was the night manager of the Popeye's Chicken off FM529 when he was shot and killed during a robbery.
"I called him about 8:30 that night asked him what he was doing. He said mom, I am busy I will call you later," said Virappen.
That call never came.
Investigators believe Edward and his co-workers were closing up when the suspect entered the eatery with a gun. Investigators said the suspect locked two employees in a walk-in-freezer, forced Edward to unlock a safe, walked him into another freezer and shot him to death.
Curry's photograph closely resembled the sketch released in the days following the murder. Witness also picked Curry out of a photo-line-up.
Now Virappen wants to ask him a simple question.
"Why? Why did you do that? Why did you target him? Is there a reason? Let us know."
Curry's has been charged with capital murder and is being held without bond.
Edward Virappen would have marked his 20th birthday later this month on July 27th.
The break in the case came after investigators received a tip from a caller, through Crime Stoppers, who identified George Curry Jr. as a possible suspect in the shooting death of 19-year-old Edward Ricky Virappen.
It's news the teen's mother has been waiting to hear.
"I wouldn't say closure, but it brought some relief to us knowing that he is caught," said Barbara Virappen.
Virappen said her son had dreams of becoming an architect one day. This September he was set to join the U.S. Army to further that goal.
"He was a great kid and he is truly missed. He is a hard worker, he is very loving to each and everyone," she said.
Edward Virappen was the night manager of the Popeye's Chicken off FM529 when he was shot and killed during a robbery.
"I called him about 8:30 that night asked him what he was doing. He said mom, I am busy I will call you later," said Virappen.
That call never came.
Investigators believe Edward and his co-workers were closing up when the suspect entered the eatery with a gun. Investigators said the suspect locked two employees in a walk-in-freezer, forced Edward to unlock a safe, walked him into another freezer and shot him to death.
Curry's photograph closely resembled the sketch released in the days following the murder. Witness also picked Curry out of a photo-line-up.
Now Virappen wants to ask him a simple question.
"Why? Why did you do that? Why did you target him? Is there a reason? Let us know."
Curry's has been charged with capital murder and is being held without bond.
Edward Virappen would have marked his 20th birthday later this month on July 27th.
