21-Year-Old Charged in Downtown Houston Chipotle Shooting That Killed HCSO Sergeant's Son

A downtown delivery worker identified in court records as 25-year-old Curtis Moore was shot outside the Chipotle at 909 Texas Avenue around 5 p.m. on Saturday and later died from his injuries, Houston police said Tuesday. Investigators say a verbal altercation between Moore and 21-year-old Nicholas Taylor Youngblood preceded the shooting.

Surveillance and bystander video reviewed by investigators shows Moore arriving on a bicycle outside the restaurant near Main Street, engaging in a brief verbal exchange, and the suspect, described in video as wearing all pink, pulling a gun and firing. Officers who responded found Moore suffering multiple gunshot wounds; Houston Fire Department paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital where police later reported he was pronounced dead. Court records and affiliate reports indicate Moore was shot as many as nine times.

The Houston Police Department detained Nicholas Taylor Youngblood a few blocks from the scene and arrested him after consulting with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, HPD said. Youngblood was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; police are treating the case as a homicide and prosecutors have said upgraded charges are pending following Moore’s death.

Court records list Youngblood’s employer as a cookie business, and witnesses told investigators he had been selling cookies on the downtown sidewalk before the confrontation, records show. Court records also identify Moore as the son of a Harris County Sheriff’s Office sergeant and note he worked delivering food for online platforms in the downtown area, where he was known to regulars and workers.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office released a brief statement addressing the family: "The department confirms it is supporting the family during this time." Prosecutors have taken the position that Youngblood should not be granted bond; "Prosecutors are asking that Youngblood not be granted bond. A judge is expected to consider that request during a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday," officials said.

HPD detectives continue to collect evidence, including the surveillance and bystander video, witness statements, and ballistics information as they prepare any amended charging documents. Investigators have asked for records and formal statements to establish the number of shots fired, whether the defendant’s weapon was recovered, and whether any prior contact existed between the two men.

A bond hearing and arraignment were scheduled for the week following the shooting; prosecutors and HPD signaled they will seek upgraded charges tied to the victim’s death. The case remains active with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Houston Police Department leading the next steps in the investigation.