Houston, Texas
November 21, 2003
Agencies: Harris County Sheriff's Office Texas | Houston Police Department Texas
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: over 5 years ago
14, h/m, (the only child of Lydia and Eli Escobar) shot in the head and killed by Houston police officer Arthur J. Carbonneau, a 4-yr. veteran, who claims he responded to a criminal mischief report and Escobar, standing in a group of boys, was pointed out to them by the caller. Carbonneau then claims a struggle ensued and his gun went off, killing the boy. But a friend of the boy said the two of them were playing video games inside the friend's apartment when officers came to the door and ordered them outside. When they didn't respond immediately, saying they didn't understand why they were being ordered out, Carbonneau grabbed Eli by his shirt and pulled him over to the fence. Eli fell to ground, he said, and told police he didn't do anything. Eli tried to get up and fell again. The friend said he then heard one gunshot. Carbonneau was indicted and convicted of criminally negligent homicide. His punishment: 6 months in jail and 5 years probation. He was also ordered to write a letter of apology to Eli's parents. Escobar is the 14th person known to have been shot to death this year by a Harris County police officer. In May, 2008, the City settled the civil case for $1.5 million, a letter from the city expressing condolences to Eli's parents, a commitment from the city to change gun handling and crisis intervention training for all HPD officers, and a memorial plaque in honor of Eli Escobar Jr.'s life to be placed on city property.
HPD officer Arthur Carbonneau. Convicted of criminally negligent homicide in 2005 for the 2003 shooting death of 14-year-old Eli Escobar II.; sentenced to 60 days in jail, 10 years’ probation. (media reports)
November 2004 officer indicted for murder
October 2007 Officer Arthur J. Carbonneau was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide
and sentenced to 60 days in jail and five years’ probation. He was allowed to resign from the department.
May 2008 $1.5million payout
November 2008 Memorial