Che Lajuan Calhoun Captured In Connection To Stabbing Death Of 11-Year-Old Josue Flores

Josue Flores, a Texas sixth-grader, was fatally stabbed while walking home from school on Tuesday afternoon. While the motive is still unclear, authorities believe they have the man who committed the heinous crime in custody.

According to Deputy U.S. Marshal Alfredo Perez, 31-year-old Che Lajuan Calhoun was captured in southeast Houston on Wednesday afternoon and handed over to local homicide investigators. Authorities allege the man approached the 11-year-old and stabbed him repeatedly for reasons that are still unknown.

“I believe the community was outraged and really came through with the tips,” Perez said.

The malicious attack occurred around 4:45 p.m. in front of several witnesses. Numerous bystanders heard Josue screaming and saw him struggling with a man. Moments later, the young boy fell in the grass, and the man fled.

Josue, a student at Marshall Middle School, was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital, but the youngster died a short time after arriving. Attempted robbery does not appear to be the motive for this brutal murder as Josue was not carrying a phone, laptop, or any other electronic device when he was attacked.

Family members are in disbelief and deeply saddened as they try to come to grips with Josue’s tragic death.

“I’m trying to wrap my mind around it,” said his sister, Sofia Flores. “I hope that my parents’ pain can be eased a little by our family and friends coming over.”

“He fought ’til the last second. He fought. He didn’t give up,” another sister, Guadalupe Flores, said. “He was such a loving boy. Never wanted to hurt anybody.”

On the day of his murder, Josue had stayed late at school to attend a year-end Science Club party. According to family, the young man loved school and liked to talk about becoming a doctor when he grew up.

Josue came from a large family and highly respected his older brother who had just completed a degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was often seen playing outside when he wasn’t helping his mom with housework.

Neighbors in the area describe the alleged attacker as a known drug abuser with severe mental health problems. Trevon Banks told Fox News that Calhoun was a “drug head” and was known for doing some “serious drugs.”

Originally from Michigan, Che Lajuan Calhoun has a lengthy criminal history going back to 2012. In October 2015, he pleaded guilty to making a terroristic threat and sentenced to 15 days in jail.

Back in 2013, Calhoun pleaded guilty to hitting and biting his common-law wife. He received a two-year deferred adjudication sentence in that case. The year before, he served 150 days in jail for threatening to stalk and assault another person.

#CheLajuanCalhoun, #Houston man who killed #JosueFlores in custody @HoustonPolice & about 2b transported – https://t.co/9GtcSl5NeR #Hounews

— L'Afrique (@Netsbridge) May 19, 2016

Outside Josue’s home, hundreds of people gathered to pay respects to the young boy. As the crowd grew and grew, many began to march through the streets of north Houston.

With lighted candles, balloons, and stuffed animals, the group made their way to the spot where Josue was killed. Many prayed and cried as others called for justice.

“It could be anyone’s child here. Anybody’s child,” said Salvador Ruiz, who attended the vigil. “It’s not just them. It’s for the next child. We’re talking about justice for everyone.”

Since the Houston murder, police have stepped up patrols in the area around the school as a precaution. On Wednesday, counselors were available to any students or staff that may need help dealing with Josue’s death.

School officials are discussing plans to erect a permanent memorial to honor Josue somewhere on campus. A candlelight vigil is scheduled at the school for 2 p.m. Friday, just days before the end of the school year.

Even before Josue’s senseless death, residents in the area said they didn’t feel safe in the neighborhood. Many had noticed a substantial increase in strangers and homeless individuals ever since the city opened METRORail’s north line nearby. Acting Police Chief Martha Montalvo said these types of issues were being felt citywide, and she recognized the need to eliminate the problems.

A Houston-area businessman has offered to pay all the funeral expenses for Josue Flores. The boy was only two blocks away from home when Che Calhoun allegedly attacked him.

[Photo by Houston Police Department/AP]