Repo Man Murdered in Carjacking

Police say the suspect fatally rammed into the victim, putting him in between the stolen tow truck and a car being repossessed.

Sugarland, TX – 6 July 20-18 – A man has been charged with capital murder for allegedly striking a repo tow truck driver with his own truck Friday.

Jonathan Nguyen, 27, stole the victim’s tow truck at a shop near Beechnut and Kirkwood, police say. The victim, identified by family members as 53-year-old Curtis Martin, left the truck running while he talked to his coworker, Tito Mozzygamba, about his family and taking a trip to Galveston.

“(Martin) was pissed,” Mozzygamba said. “He goes, ‘Hey, somebody’s taking my truck. Give me the keys (to the repossessed car parked in the lot).’ Since we just repo’ed the car he goes, ‘Get in so you can bring the car back.'”

Police say Martin tried to stop the suspect. But Nguyen fatally rammed into Martin, putting him in between the stolen tow truck and a car that was repossessed, according to police.

“There was blood coming out his ear, his mouth, his eyes were rolling back,” Mozzygamba said. “I tried to help, and he started breathing again for a little, and that’s when the ambulance came and they took him…I don’t know what to think. It’s pretty sad what happened.”

Another witness followed the stolen tow truck, and got police involved. Police said Nguyen led them on a chase through southwest Houston and Sugar Land that ended when a black truck crashed into the tow truck at Highway 90 and Brooks.

The truck bears the markings of “Performance Collision”

Nguyen’s next court date is scheduled for July 10.

Candle Light Vigil Held

While Martin’s loved ones wait for justice, the corner of Beechnut and Kirkwood, where Martin lost his life, was filled with prayer. The prayer vigil was organized by Martin’s towing community.

“We’re all brothers and it’ll always be that way,” said Sam Medina, a friend of Martin’s for 30 years. “We’re a brotherhood, just like fire departments and police departments. We’re a brotherhood because we’re in this tow truck business together.”

More than 15 wrecker trucks filled a parking lot near the intersection.

“This is where the incident happened, so we figured this was the best way to come out here and pay respects to his family,” said organizer and friend Mark Rodriguez.

His fellow wrecker drivers, loved ones and family stood in a half circle around the cross and flowers put alongside the road. Leading the prayer was Pastor Joel Hernandez, who was the first tow truck driver on scene the day Martin died.

“You don’t realize it’s going to be one of your friends or one of your co-workers,” Hernandez said. “I did the best that I can, and now it’s in God’s hands.”

The mother of Martin’s children, Laqueta Robison, said the victim was an exceptional father of 12 and a hard worker.

“He loved his job. He was dedicated to his job,” Robison said.

The towing community called him their “tow brother,” and said he would never be forgotten.

“(Martin was) always willing to help. He never asked for anything in return except for friendship. That’s all he ever wanted,” said Robbie Rogers, friend and wrecker driver.

“I’ve been in the business for about 32 years — known Curtis for about 30. He would give his life for anybody. He helped anybody and everybody before he helped himself,” Medina said.

Another vigil was planned for 7 p.m. Saturday at the same place — the intersection of Kirkwood Road and Beechnut Street in southwest Houston.

Loved ones created this GoFundMe page to help the family.