Bar owner shot to death during home invasion

Monday, March 13, 2006

(3/13/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Robbers attacked a family in their home, killing a mother of three early Monday morning and the killers are still on the loose.

The victim, Linda Diaz, lived next to the cantina that she owned in the Heights. Police tell Eyewitness News that she had walked in on three armed men in her home right before she was killed.

Family members were all in shock after being notified of the early morning shooting.

"She helped every chance, many, many people," said family friend Max Diaz. "I can't believe that. I can't believe it, really."

Houston police say it was 2am when Diaz, owner of the El Oriente bar next door, walked home. Inside, two of her three sons and her brother had been tied up by three armed and masked men.

"(The suspects) were in the process of robbing family members that were already in the house when the fourth and fifth family member arrived at the scene," reported HPD officer Manuel Cruz. "The deceased person just happened to walk into an ongoing home invasion and was shot once."

Police say the three masked men took off running. The victim's brother was taken to a hospital, treated and released for an injury to the head. All three family members gave their statements at the police department and arrived back home at mid-day.

Family members told us Mrs. Diaz had come from El Salvador looking for a better life. She established and nurtured the El Oriente bar and built her house on the same property.

Years ago, her brother was shot to death at another bar and now, family members are mourning another tragedy.

Houston police are still investigating the case.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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