HOUSTON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Houston police have identified a suspect in the murder of a prominent cardiologist who treated former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, police said Wednesday.
During a press briefing, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said tips led them to 62-year-old Joseph James Pappas.
"We believe this absolutely is the killer," Acevedo said, adding that Pappas' mother died more than 20 years ago while in the care of Dr. Mark Hausknecht. Police believe that is the motive in the murder of the doctor.
Acevedo said an arrest warrant has been issued for Pappas whose whereabouts are unknown at the moment.
"Pappas is wanted for murder and is considered armed and dangerous," he said.
Acevedo said enhanced surveillance video in connection with the July 20 shooting death of Hausknecht led to a tip indicating Pappas' mother was a patient of Hausknecht. Police said they learned Pappas had not been heard from in over 24 hours, and that he sent a text to someone saying he was going to commit suicide.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has praised Houston Police Department's work, underscoring the need for those who may know of Pappas' whereabouts to come forward.
Hausknecht was gunned down on July 20 while riding his bike to work during the morning rush hour in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the fourth largest city of the United States. The gunman, also on a bicycle, rode off after the shooting.
In 2000, Hausknecht appeared at a news conference with George H.W. Bush after the former president was treated for an irregular heartbeat.
