Commissioners unanimously approve $2.52M for local investigation into July shooting

The court voted unanimously to allocate $2,520,000 over three years to the district attorney’s office for overtime, outside counsel and software to support a local investigation into the July 7 shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. Commissioner Ellis moved the allocation, saying the case "captured the attention of most people in Houston and Harris County and around the nation and the world." The motion passed with all commissioners voting in favor.

District Attorney (acting) told the court the funding would be targeted and conditional, saying the money "will be specifically laid out" and "if at the end of our investigation, we deem that there are no criminal charges that are appropriate to be filed, then we won't use the vast majority of this." He added the office expects to coordinate with county departments to protect community reports and offered a secure portal for tips.

Several commissioners said local action was necessary because federal agencies had not provided sufficient information. Commissioner Garcia said the county should not have to "do the federal government's job" but pledged support for a local probe; Commissioner Briones called the vote a step toward "justice, truth and transparency." The court also recognized family members of the victim in the chamber and invited community cooperation with investigators.

Next steps: the DA will report back to Commissioners Court on the use of funds and investigative progress. The allocation is structured as a three‑year appropriation specifically for investigative labor, outside counsel and related software and will not flow into the DA general fund.