Houston, Texas – Court documents reveal a shocking twist in what was initially believed to be a robbery turned homicide. The investigation uncovered that the robbery was staged by 22-year-old Rasshauud Scott, who was ultimately shot and killed by a bystander, Jesus Vargas. The elaborate scheme involved Scott working with William X. Winfrey, who orchestrated the staged robbery in exchange for money.
According to the court records, both victims were complicit in the plot, aiming to file for U-Visas. These visas are granted to victims of certain crimes to assist law enforcement in solving cases, providing temporary immigration status and work authorization. Telegram messages between Scott and Winfrey were discovered, detailing the coordination of the staged robbery. In a disturbing revelation, it was uncovered that this was not the first time the pair had carried out such a scheme, having staged at least two robberies using the same method before.
One such incident occurred on January 26 at the Swift gas station on 4400 Lockwood Drive, where Scott was killed. The victims from that robbery successfully applied for U-Visas, with one of them receiving approval. Another staged robbery took place on February 27, 2023, at 6601 Gessner Road, where all three individuals who claimed to be victims were granted U-Visas.
Winfrey now faces charges of murder in connection to Scott’s death. The repercussions of this tragic event are deeply felt by Scott’s fiancée, Sade Beverly, who is left to raise their two children alone. Despite acknowledging Scott’s misguided actions, Beverly laments that he did not deserve such a fate and should have had the opportunity to face accountability in court.
Meanwhile, Vargas, the bystander who fired the fatal shot at Scott, is also under scrutiny. He allegedly instructed the fake robbery victims not to disclose his involvement and fled the scene. Vargas later cited fear, due to being on probation and prohibited from possessing a firearm, as his reason for running from the scene.
The decision to charge Vargas now rests with a grand jury, while the legal fate of the alleged victims in the staged robbery remains unclear. Beverly advocates for a critical examination of gun laws, emphasizing the need for change to prevent similar tragedies in the future. She stresses the importance of acknowledging the devastating impact of firearms and underscores the inherent value of every human life.