Houston, Texas — A 58-year-old chef who regularly fed homeless people was shot and killed outside a Houston hotel after a man allegedly approached his vehicle and demanded money, according to police.
Otis Parks, 30, is charged with capital murder in the death of John Donat, according to the Houston Police Department. Donat was reportedly offering food to people near a hotel on South Highway 6 when the deadly encounter unfolded early Wednesday morning.
Police Respond to Shooting Outside Houston Hotel
Houston police said officers responded at about 2:20 a.m. Wednesday to a report of a shooting at a hotel in the 2100 block of South Highway 6.
When officers arrived, they found Donat on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. A nearby Chevrolet Tahoe had crashed through a wooden fence in the hotel parking lot.
Paramedics pronounced Donat dead at the scene.
According to police, several witnesses told investigators that Donat had been driving the Tahoe and was offering food to people in the area. One woman told investigators she saw a man approach the passenger side of the vehicle and demand money from Donat.
She was walking away when she heard gunshots. Moments later, the Tahoe crashed into the fence.
Suspect Arrested After Witnesses Describe Gunman
Police later arrested Parks, who authorities said allegedly matched the description of the suspect provided by witnesses. Parks remains in the Harris County Jail on a $250,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 14.
The charge against Parks is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the court system.
Donat Was Known for Feeding People in Need
Donat’s family said his generosity toward people experiencing homelessness was a regular part of his life.
His son, Nick Donat, told local CBS affiliate KHOU that his father was a chef and lived at the long-term-stay hotel where he was killed. Nick said his father would frequently prepare and distribute food to people who needed it.
“He is a very helpful person,” Nick Donat told the outlet. “He’s been doing this a lot over the past couple of years.”
According to a GoFundMe created in Donat’s memory, he was a South Carolina native and father of two who would collect items from local food banks and turn them into meals before going out to feed others.
His family said he had a particular understanding of people struggling with addiction because he had battled drug addiction himself.
Family Struggles to Understand the Killing
For Donat’s family, his death has been especially painful because of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. His son said he was devastated that someone would kill a person who spent so much of his time trying to help others.
“I mean, that person did a terrible thing to someone I love and trust and depend on,” the younger Donat said.
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The statement reflects the deep personal loss facing the family as investigators and prosecutors continue working through the case.
Donat’s efforts to provide food to people experiencing homelessness had reportedly become a regular part of his routine. His family now remembers him not only as a father and chef but also as someone who tried to use his own experiences to help people facing difficult circumstances.
Investigation Continues
Police have arrested Parks and filed a capital murder charge in connection with Donat’s death. The case remains pending, with Parks scheduled to return to court in December.
Authorities have not indicated that Donat knew the accused shooter before the encounter.
The investigation is expected to continue as prosecutors prepare the case and additional details surrounding the shooting are reviewed.
For Donat’s family, however, the focus remains on remembering a man they say spent years helping people who were struggling.
What do you think about John Donat’s efforts to help people experiencing homelessness? Share your thoughts and condolences for his family in the comments.
