‘Why Would You Shoot Somebody Over Something So Small’: Accused Killer Gets Bond After Fatally Shooting Father of 3 Reportedly Over a Parking Dispute
A Houston man is on house arrest after allegedly killing a father over a parking spot, according to reports.
Reports show Christopher David Hernandez, 23, posted bond on Monday, Aug. 29, for Joshua Lazard’s murder, who authorities said he fatally shot outside a Walmart in southwest Houston in broad daylight two days prior.
Lazard’s wife, Itasca Dickson, said she is devastated by the sudden loss.
“I didn’t know my best friend was gon’ be gone,” said Dickson to local station ABC13, holding back tears. “I thought I still had more time with my best friend, and I don’t.”
Authorities said the two men were parked in the same row in the parking lot and met as they walked toward the store. A witness said she heard Lazard yell at someone, “You don’t know how to drive.”
Then Hernandez pulled out a handgun and shot Lazard multiple times, according to the Houston Police Department. It was “believed to be over driving and parking.”
Hernandez walked into Walmart, where authorities said he was apprehended.
Lazard was taken to a nearby hospital and later airlifted to a trauma unit, where he was pronounced dead, according to officials. He leaves behind three sons.
“If it’s something as stupid as a parking spot, come on,” Dickson said. “I’m sure that man has a family, so why would you shoot somebody over something so small?”
Hernandez, a painter without a criminal record, posted a $300,000 bond on Monday. The judge called him a danger to the community for committing the senseless act in public. He is prohibited from driving or carrying any weapons and must wear an ankle monitor.
Dickson said Lazard was loving father who made everyone around him laugh. She now worries about how she will raise their sons on her own.
“I can’t make these children be men by myself. That wasn’t my responsibility. That was his,” she said.