Bellaire Police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of 19-year old Reginelli's Pizzeria employee Peter Mielke. Kiara Elijahjuan Taylor, 26, has a lengthy criminal history, according to Harris County court records, including theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
"Detectives received information regarding a possible suspect on Thursday March 3, 2016. This information led Detectives to Taylor," a statement reads. "Detectives continued to develop information that led to additional evidence which tied Taylor to the killing."
Taylor is currently in the Harris County Jail charged with capital murder. At the time of Mielke's death on February 21, the police said he attempted to comply with the suspect's demands, but the gunman fired anyway.
As for Reginelli's, the New Orleans-based chain reopened its Bellaire location on Monday. The restaurant will be open for dinner only this week and will resume its regular operating hours on March 13.
“Though our strength has been tested recently, I believe the strong bond of the Bellaire community and family will help us get through this terrible time," owner Darryl Reginelli said in a statement. "I cannot express how much the support we have received from the City of Bellaire has meant to us. I would like to thank Police Chief Holloway for his continued presence and support through this tragic loss.”
To honor its employee, Reginelli’s has established the Reginelli’s Peter Mielke Memorial Scholarship Fund at Bellaire High School.
“The scholarship will assist a young, hardworking person with the same values that can be found in this wonderful community,” said Reginelli.
Bellaire police arrested Kiara Elijahjuan Taylor in connection with the death of Peter Mielke.
