HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A 17-year-old male appeared in court during an overnight probable cause hearing, where he was charged with robbery resulting in bodily injury following a deadly Facebook Marketplace transaction.
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, at approximately 3:25 PM, deputies with Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office were dispatched to the 22100 block of Bridgestone Pine Court for a report of suspects robbing a male victim outside his home.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered 39-year-old Dat Truong lying unresponsive in the driveway of his home, suffering from unknown injuries. EMS transported Truong to Memorial Hermann (Woodlands) Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
According to statements made during the probable cause hearing, the incident began as a Facebook Marketplace transaction involving the sale of a cell phone. Truong reportedly attempted to withdraw from the sale due to concerns about resetting the phone. This led to an altercation where Truong fled but was pursued by two male suspects in a white sedan. During the pursuit, Truong fell and struck his head, sustaining injuries that proved fatal.
Detectives identified one suspect, 17-year-old Jose Soto, who admitted to driving the white sedan during the incident. Soto has been charged with robbery resulting in bodily injury. Authorities are actively searching for a second suspect believed to have been involved in the robbery.
This investigation is ongoing, and detectives urge anyone with information to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at (713) 274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).
