Accused murderer fired 13 shots at Harris County Pct. 4 non-commissioned officers

HOUSTON – The man accused of shooting and killing a PCt. 4 Corporal was in Harris County court for the first time Monday morning.

Athir Murady, 40, appeared before a judge on murder charges wearing a yellow jumpsuit.

It was on September 3 when police said he shot Husseini, who was on his way to work at the District 4 police office. The victim was standing at a traffic light at Richmond and Fondren when Murady shot him 13 times, according to prosecutors.

Witnesses provided a description of the shooter and his vehicle, which was pursued into Galveston County. After a short chase, Murady drove his car into the water and tried to swim away. He was eventually rescued and arrested.

“We want to make sure the community is safe. He is a very dangerous person,” said prosecutor Kathryn Roders. “All citizens in Harris County and other counties are protected.”

The judge decided Monday not to set bail in the case.

A handful of District 4 officers were in the courtroom to support the sergeant. Police Officer Mark Herman of District 4 said Husseini had just been promoted to corporal the week before he was shot.

According to court documents, the motive was a dispute between Husseini, the owner of a security company, and Murady, the owner of a security company in North Texas. An employee said Husseini accused Murady of trying to steal from stores. The two men were seen having a “cordial” conversation and shaking hands in a parking lot outside Husseini's company shortly before the shooting.