Anthony Ray Ferrell, 39, has been charged with capital murder.
Houston police said Ferrell robbed Amberly Wait at the service window of the Chevron station on Beechnut Street near the West Loop in the Meyerland area at about 12:15 a.m. Thursday. He demanded her purse and she handed it over, investigators said.
Samuel K. Irick, 24, was standing behind Wait in line and tried to stop the robbery, police said.
Ferrell shot Irick in the chest, investigators said. He was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died.
Ferrell fled on foot with Wait’s purse, police said. Her credit cards were used at several businesses, investigators said.
Police said Ferrell was arrested at a night club early Sunday after he was positively identified. Detectives said they received several tips to Crime Stoppers.
Ferrell is being held in the Harris County Jail without bond. He appeared in magistrate’s court early Monday.
Irick was described as a full-time student who loved to play golf. His family said as a boy, he often intervened to protect other children from bullies.
A fund to help pay for funeral expenses was set up at Wells Fargo Bank in the name of Sam Irick. His funeral was scheduled for Monday.
