Two minors have been charged with the senseless murder of an elderly woman outside a gym at 10570 Fuqua Street in Houston. Elsa Mikeska was killed on June 17 after she parked her vehicle outside a gym at about 4.50 am on June 17. She was allegedly approached by the suspects before one of them gunned her down.
In a press release, the Houston Police Department said that both the teens have been pressed with charges in relation to the death of the 62-year-old woman. However, since both are minors, their names were not released. One of the male suspects, age 16, was arrested on June 25 while the second one was taken into custody this week before both were charged.
By quoting HPD Homicide Division Sergeant A Lopez and Detectives N Sharp, the news release stated: “Ms. Mikeska parked her vehicle in a gym parking lot at the above address when the suspects (a driver and two passengers) parked their SUV near her and two of them exited their vehicle. As Mikeska walked toward the gym entrance, the suspects appeared to call out to her. Mikeska, realizing they were attempting to rob her, then ran towards the gym. One of the suspects fired one time, striking Mikeska who collapsed near the gym entrance. The suspects then got back into their SUV and fled the scene southbound on Beamer Road.”
Police also said that initially, it was believed that both the accused were “Hispanic males in their early 20s”. But later, it was found that they were teenagers. Besides, authorities described the suspects’ vehicle as “a white Chevrolet SUV.” They also earlier released surveillance footage of the crime scene so that the public can help them in nabbing the alleged criminals.
Reports said the two suspects along with another one were also charged with aggravated robbery. The press release noted, “Additionally, approximately one hour prior to this incident, an aggravated robbery was reported at 10100 Freehill Street. The robbery victim described suspects matching those in the fatal shooting of Mikeska. According to the victim, the suspects attempted to steal her vehicle, but were unsuccessful because it was inoperable. The same suspects, in addition to a third juvenile suspect, were also referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on charges of aggravated robbery for their roles in the robbery incident.”
Who was Elsa Mikeska?
Mikeska, a great-grandmother, has been described as a person who was passionate about “her family, faith, friends, and her most precious gift of all were her grandchildren and great grandchildren.” James Crowder Funeral Home wrote, “She is predeceased by her sons: Stephen Mitchell and Brandon Michael Mikeska; parents, Alicia Garcia Arredondo and Eugene R. Arredondo; brothers: Rodney and Randy Arredondo. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 29 years, Steven Michael Mikeska; daughters: Angel Nicole Rocha (Hector), Lauren Rene Harrigan (Timothy), Harley Rae Mikeska; grandchildren: Brooke Rose (John), Hannah Salas (Devin), Kyle Rocha, Zachary Rocha, Leah Rocha, Michael Harrigan, Waylon Harris; great-grandchildren: Preston Rose, Parker Rose and Ryan Alston; and brothers: Roland Arredondo (Lena), Ron Arredondo (Gail), Robert Arredondo.”
