HOUSTON — Nearly two years after Bradric Lavelle Kuykendall, 32, of Wharton, was fatally shot at a southwest Houston gas station, the man accused of killing him remains wanted.
The October 1, 2024 case is receiving renewed attention after Grizzy’s Hood News highlighted the continued search for Imran Ahmed Davis, who Houston police identified as the suspect in Kuykendall’s death.
Davis was charged with murder and aggravated assault following the shooting and remains listed as a fugitive.
What Happened That Morning
The events began before the shooting at the gas station.
Kuykendall had been working with family members removing branches in the area when a confrontation occurred involving Davis. Reporting on the investigation said the dispute involved trash that had been dumped on a road near Davis’ home.
During the confrontation, Davis was reportedly carrying a handgun. A fight followed, and Davis dropped the gun. Kuykendall picked up the handgun before he and his family members left the area and went to a nearby gas station, according to the latest account of the case shared by Grizzy’s Hood News.
Houston police have confirmed that Kuykendall and Davis were involved in an altercation at a nearby location before Davis allegedly followed Kuykendall and the people with him to the gas station. (Houston Texas Government)
Shooting at Hillcroft Gas Station
Kuykendall and his family members arrived at the gas station at 12303 Hillcroft Avenue, near West Airport Boulevard in southwest Houston.
Surveillance footage later released from the business showed Kuykendall getting out of his landscaping truck and walking toward the convenience store. A red vehicle pulled into the parking lot, stopped briefly near the front of the store and then drove away.
Kuykendall was then seen running back toward his truck.
The red vehicle circled back, and investigators believe the shooter opened fire from the vehicle, striking Kuykendall multiple times. (KPRC)
According to the latest account highlighted by Grizzy’s Hood News, Davis had returned in a red Toyota Yaris armed with a rifle. Davis allegedly opened fire at Kuykendall, while Kuykendall returned fire using the handgun he had picked up during the earlier confrontation. (Facebook)
One of Kuykendall’s family members who was at the scene was also shot but survived.
Houston police were called to the gas station parking lot at approximately 9:25 a.m. Officers found Kuykendall suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Evidence Recovered
Investigators recovered 17 rifle casings and five .357-caliber casings following the shooting, according to details highlighted in the renewed coverage of the case.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the store, which supported accounts provided by witnesses. Witnesses later identified Davis as the alleged shooter.
The red Toyota was located a short time later. According to the latest account, investigators found the vehicle with a flat tire, an apparent bullet strike and possible blood near the gearshift.
Investigators were also told Davis had returned home before the shooting with an injured and bleeding hand and then left in another person’s vehicle.
Houston police ultimately identified Davis as the suspect.
On October 15, 2024, Davis was charged with murder and aggravated assault in the 337th State District Court. HPD publicly announced the charges the following day and said Davis was not in custody.
Kuykendall Remembered in Wharton
Kuykendall had deep connections to Wharton.
Following his death, Matthews Funeral Home identified Kuykendall as “32 of Wharton.” The funeral home said he was born November 9, 1991.
His visitation was held at Matthews Funeral Home in Wharton, followed by funeral services at The Word Church on Mattie Street in Wharton. He was laid to rest at New Mt. Olive Church Cemetery in the Mackay-Wharton area.
Kuykendall operated his own landscaping business and was reportedly on his way to work on the morning he was killed. His family remembered him as a loving and kind-hearted man who frequently helped others and provided work to people who needed it.
Search for Davis Continues
The search for Imran Ahmed Davis continues nearly two years after Kuykendall’s death.
Davis is currently 29 years old and is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and 175 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
According to information citing Crime Stoppers of Houston, Davis has family ties to Texas, Louisiana and Georgia, potentially widening the area where authorities and the public are being asked to remain alert.
The warrant for Davis remains active, according to information attributed to Crime Stoppers of Houston and Harris County court records.
Davis is wanted in connection with the October 1, 2024 shooting death of Bradric Kuykendall and has remained wanted since charges were filed against him in October 2024. Crime Stoppers has offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Davis should be considered dangerous, according to information published about the ongoing fugitive search. Members of the public should not attempt to approach or apprehend him.
Anyone with information about Davis’ whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Tips provided directly to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for the reward.
The case continues to receive renewed attention as Kuykendall’s family waits for an arrest and answers nearly two years after his death.
Wharton Post will provide an update if authorities announce an arrest in the case.