
How Did a 17-Year-Old Murderer Stay Hidden for Months in Texas?
The shocking death of 14-year-old Abraham Choukair last July devastated the Houston community. A young life, full of potential, cut down in its prime. Found lifeless in a car at an apartment complex, Choukair’s final moments remain a haunting mystery.
For the next 6 months, the focus turned to finding Joshua Garcia, the 17-year-old charged with his murder.
GARCIA HIDING FOR MONTHS
So how did Garcia manage to avoid capture for nearly six months? Court records provide some clues. After the shooting, Garcia deactivated his Instagram account, cutting off a key trail for investigators. He’d reportedly been messaging someone about buying a gun on the platform before the incident.
During a court hearing, Garcia admitted to going into hiding after the shooting.
A FEMALE ACCOMPLICE LOCATED
Surveillance footage from the scene showed Abraham talking to a young woman just before the shooting. Both the woman and Garcia were seen running from the area afterward.
"He was approached by a female, she was talking to him," Abraham's cousin, Rola Choukair said.
The 16-year-old girl was arrested in October 2024 and charged with capital murder, but Garcia remained at large until January 14, 2025, when he was taken into custody by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Garcia now faces a $1 million bond and has been deemed a flight risk, requiring an ankle monitor. While the motive remains unclear, Abraham’s family continues to mourn the loss of a young life.
Rola expressed his grief, "My cousin is an innocent. He never did anything in his life. 14-years-old and he's gone now."