By PAIGE HEWITT
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Jan. 2, 2010, 9:17AM

Houston's first homicide victim of 2010 was an illegal immigrant celebrating his 18th birthday before being shot by another illegal immigrant at an apartment complex early Friday. The suspect is on the run.

The teen, who was from Mexico, was celebrating with two of his older brothers and friends at an apartment on Marlive near the South Loop around 1 a.m., said Houston homicide Detective Brian Harris. Authorities did not release the victim's name.

The teen and the 20-year-old suspect, also from Mexico, got into an argument that was subdued by a maintenance man who then insisted the two men make amends.

“Right after they shook hands, he shot him,â€