HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A grieving family tells ABC13 their son’s life could’ve been saved after investigators say he was found dead outside of a west Houston restaurant more than a month ago. The man’s parents feel somebody could have done something that night to help him.
Jessie Mobley Jr. was 34 years old when HPD says he was found dead outside of KFFO Afro Steakhouse on Aug. 8.
“Just one call. He would be here. I know he would,” Renee Mobley, stepmother of Jessie Mobley Jr. said.
According to Houston police, he went inside to eat the night before, workers told them he fell asleep and became unresponsive. Police also said the staff believed Mobley Jr. may have been homeless so they put him outside where he was found dead the next day.
The Mobleys feel instead workers should’ve called for help.
“At least call 911. That’s the decent thing to do,” Renee said.
His family says he wasn’t homeless and was living with his aunt. He was also on medication.
“If they would’ve looked at this bag and seen medicine, wouldn’t they think, prescription medicines, wouldn’t they think? Well, maybe he has a problem? Call somebody? They didn’t do that,” Jessie Mobley Sr. said.
According to the Harris County medical examiner’s office, the cause of death hasn’t been determined, but depending on the autopsy results, one attorney with whom we spoke, but is not representing the family says they could take legal action.
“Their action of not calling 911 and just leaving him unattended outside have to have led to the death, had to have caused the death, to have civil liability on the part of the restaurant,” legal analyst Steve Shellist said.
While they wait for answers, they are cherishing the memories they do have of their loved one.
“He used to love to watch me cook. He loved to eat. He loved to watch me cook,” Renee said.
“If he had two dollars, he’d take a dollar and give it to somebody else. He would always do that,” Jessie Mobley Sr. said.
ABC13 did reach out to the restaurant this week but the owner told us they are waiting to make any official statement until the medical examiner determines a cause of death.
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