A Houston father was fatally shot after tracking his son’s stolen pickup truck with GPS, and a repeat offender who was already on probation has now been charged in the killing, authorities said.
The victim, identified as 56-year-old Louis Erebia, died after a confrontation that began as an alleged carjacking Saturday afternoon in east Harris County. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Erebia’s son was putting gas into a Chevy Silverado when a man allegedly approached him with a gun and stole the truck.
Authorities identified the accused suspect as London Hogan Sr. He has been charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.
After the truck was stolen, Erebia and a family friend reportedly used GPS tracking to locate the vehicle. Investigators said they found the stolen pickup near the I-610 North Loop and Airline Drive area.
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The situation escalated when vehicles connected to Erebia and the stolen Silverado were involved in a collision, disabling the stolen truck. Deputies said a male and female suspect then got out of the vehicle and ran.
Erebia reportedly chased after them. That is when Hogan allegedly fired multiple shots, striking Erebia and another man. Both were taken to the hospital. Erebia later died from his injuries, while the second victim is expected to survive, according to local reports.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the deadly confrontation, but also because Hogan was reportedly already on deferred adjudication probation in a prior felony assault case. FOX 26 Houston reported that court records showed Hogan had a criminal history involving assault, burglary, auto theft, drug possession and other cases, some of which had been dismissed.
During a court hearing, a judge noted that Hogan was on a five-year deferred adjudication term for assault of a family or household member impeding breath or circulation. The judge also said the new murder charge falls under a serious Texas offense category.
The case is likely to renew debate in Harris County over repeat offenders, bond decisions, probation and violent crime. Local officials and residents have repeatedly raised concerns about people accused of serious crimes being released or placed on community supervision before later being accused in new violent incidents.
At the same time, the legal process is still in its early stages. Hogan has been charged, but he has not been convicted in connection with Erebia’s death. Prosecutors will have to prove the allegations in court.
Erebia’s family and friends are remembering him as a man who spent his life helping others. Relatives described him as a husband, father, friend and community figure who stepped in when people needed support.
The Houston Chronicle reported that hundreds gathered to mourn Erebia, who was remembered as a respected father of five and a community leader. His family said he had been involved in local youth programs and was known for his willingness to help others.
One relative wrote on social media that Erebia died “protecting others,” calling him a hero and a pillar of the community. His loved ones are now demanding justice and asking the public to remember the life he lived, not only the way he died.
The circumstances also highlight the danger of confronting suspected vehicle thieves. Police often warn people not to pursue stolen vehicles themselves, even when GPS tracking gives them a location. A stolen car or truck can be replaced; a confrontation with an armed suspect can turn deadly in seconds.
Still, family members have framed Erebia’s actions as consistent with how he lived — protective, selfless and unwilling to stand by when someone he loved was in danger.
The investigation remains active, and more details could emerge through court filings and future hearings. Authorities may also continue reviewing the role of the second suspect who allegedly fled the stolen vehicle.
For now, the case has left a Houston family grieving and a community asking how a man already under court supervision could allegedly be involved in a deadly carjacking.
Why It Matters
The case matters because it combines several major public safety concerns: carjacking, GPS-tracked stolen vehicles, armed confrontation and repeat offenders. It also raises questions about probation and whether the justice system had enough tools to prevent another violent incident.
It also matters because Erebia’s death is a personal tragedy for a family and community that described him as a selfless father and protector. What began as an attempt to recover a stolen truck ended in a fatal shooting.
What Comes Next
Hogan’s case will continue in Harris County court, where prosecutors will pursue the murder, aggravated assault and aggravated robbery charges. Future hearings may address bond, evidence and the suspect’s prior probation status.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is also expected to continue investigating the incident, including the actions of the second suspect and the full sequence of events after the truck was stolen.
Repeat offender on probation allegedly kills father who tracked his stolen truck using GPS https://t.co/oyQbF44cL1 pic.twitter.com/5d3LjxsDYv
— New York Post (@nypost) June 9, 2026
