The Hatchet Beat

If you see Melchor Izquierdo, he'd like his hatchet back please

What is it with Houston and hatchets and machetes and killing people? Dale Lezon of the Chron seems to have the "hatchet murder" beat, and it's keeping him busy!

Police are searching for a man wanted in the apparent hatchet killing of a his co-worker whose body was found in the cab of a dump truck days after he had been slain.

Melchor Izquierdo, 29, is charged with murder in the slaying of 42-year-old Estevan Francisco Tellez.

Police said Tellez's body was found in the truck that was parked at small business park in the 5500 block of Gasmer about 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 14.

Tellez had several deep cuts on his face and a hatchet was found nearby. He had been dead in the truck for several days before his body was discovered by workers.

Izquierdo and Tellez worked together at a foundation business in the office park. (The Houston Chronicle, Dale Lezon, October 1, 2009)

(See also this.)