Jordan Baker

Unarmed 26-year-old Jordan Baker was shot and killed by off-duty Houston officer Juventino Castro working security at a shopping center on January 16, 2014.

What happened

Officer Juventino Castro, working an off-duty security shift at a shopping plaza, approached Jordan Baker, a Black father wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Castro said Baker had behaved suspiciously and that a struggle and foot chase followed. The officer alleged Baker reached toward his waistband and moved toward him before being shot; investigators found no weapon. Baker's mother Janet argued her son was racially profiled, and family members organized vigils seeking accountability. In later federal civil-rights litigation, a judge allowed claims concerning municipal liability to proceed, examining allegations that Houston had tolerated excessive force. His case became a major focus of local organizing after Ferguson.

Investigation & findings

A Harris County grand jury declined to indict Castro in December 2014. Houston later agreed to a $1.2 million civil settlement with Baker's family. The family's claims and the officer's account should remain distinguished.

What happened

Investigation & findings

Sources & records