Texas Boy Is Found Dead in Dad's Car after It Was Stolen: 'He Does Not Know How to Hurt a Fly'

In a gut-wrenching turn of events, a family's picture-perfect and happy world was turned topsy-turvy when an unimaginable tragedy wreaked havoc in their lives. Take a look at their tear-jerking story of pain, trauma, and heartbreaking loss.

Mabel and Michael Essien were a happily married couple who lived in Houston, Texas. They were parents to three adorable children and reveled in parental bliss. The Essiens looked forward to each new day with hopeful hearts and were surrounded by a supportive circle of family and friends.

Michael's loved ones described him as a gentleman who knew how to protect and provide for his family. He was known for going out of his way to make the people around him happy. He was a helpful member of his church community and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

The Essiens

The Houston man was loved and valued dearly by everyone who knew him. The Essien family said he was a loving husband, a best friend, and a devoted father to his three angels. Michael's second child, Micah Essien, was known for his friendliness and playfulness.

The officers were shocked when they found a little boy in the backseat.

Micah's cousin, Etimbuk Isaiah, said he was a happy-go-lucky little boy who was always cheerful and loved making everyone happy. The little one also liked helping in the kitchen and was a source of pure delight in the Essien household.

A Kind-Hearted Man

Michael's sister and Micah's aunt, Jessie Okon, described her brother as a kind-hearted man who never argued with anybody and wouldn't think twice before helping someone. She added:

"Michael would give the last dime he has to other people."

The Essien family was happy in their small world and hoped to celebrate many lovely moments together. Little did they know that an unlikely incident would change everything.

When Tragedy Struck

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the Houston Police responded to a shooting in the area of El Camino del Rey Street and Chimney Rock Road at about 1:46 p.m. When the officers reached the scene, they found a man, who they said had been shot dead.

The investigators believed the victim had met another man at the scene, and an argument ensued between the two. Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite said the man killed the victim afterward, stole his SUV, and fled the location.

In the evening, at about 6:36 p.m., the officers said they answered a mother's frantic 911 call about her missing husband and two-year-old son. Per the information provided by the woman, Satterwhite said they identified the victim as 38-year-old Michael.

Taken Too Soon

Within half an hour, the Houston Police were able to track a black SUV, which they said was dumped by the shooter on Elm Street near Renwick Drive. The officers were shocked when they found a little boy in the backseat. Satterwhite revealed:

"We never knew about the child until [the mother] called."

Sadly, the little boy, who was identified as two-year-old Micah, had passed away in the car. Satterwhite believed the toddler died in the vehicle due to heat exhaustion. Neighbors said they probably saw the abandoned car parked on the street but didn't know a kid was inside.

Broken Beyond Repair

On the morning of Wednesday, September 21, the officers arrested a suspect who they identified as 38-year-old Bolanle Fadairo near the shooting scene. According to the Houston Police, he was taken into custody on charges of murder and tampering with evidence.

The devastating loss of the father-son duo broke their family. Michael's wife and Micah's mother, Mabel, described her husband as a selfless man who always puts others first. Fadairo reportedly told the police that Michael owed him money, but Mabel said it was her husband who always helped him.

A Grief-Stricken Wife & Mother

Mabel shared that her husband recognized Fadairo from high school and gave him a second chance. She said Michael was a security guard, got Fadairo a security job, and often assisted him with financial matters.

According to the Essien family, Michael was dressed in his security guard uniform when the unfortunate incident happened. A heartbroken Mabel said she was still in denial and couldn't believe that her loving husband and beloved son were no more. She added:

"I want the world to see other people in Michael's eyes – that's the only way my husband's legacy can move forward."

A Heartbroken Sister & Aunt

A teary-eyed Okon couldn't stop grieving for her caring brother and little nephew. She expressed, "All I want is my brother and my 2-year-old who just learned how to say 'Auntie Jessie.'"

Okon shared that her brother was a father to a six-year-old, a two-year-old, and a three-week-old. She said she couldn't understand why anyone would want to kill her brother and little nephew. Okon stated:

"I want my nephew back. He's only 2 years old. He does not know how to hurt a fly. My brother has always been a peaceful man. I need my brother back."

Supporting the Family

Michael has left behind a grief-stricken wife and two children. His sweet boy, Micah, died soon after becoming an older brother and was deprived of seeing his little sister grow up.

The Essien family has created a crowdfunding page to cover funeral expenses and help Mabel raise her kids alone. As of September 23, over $1,600 have been collected through the fundraising account, and more donations continue to pour in. The family wrote:

"Michael was the sole provider for his family. His wife must bury her husband and son and still provide love and financial care for her remaining children."

We send our deepest condolences to Mabel and the Essien family in their time of heartrending pain and sorrow. May God grant eternal peace to Michael and Micah. We are sure the father-son duo will watch over their loved ones from heaven.