MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A teen who authorities said was accidentally shot by his stepbrother at an apartment near The Woodlands died on the way to the hospital, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said 17-year-old Romaz Craddock and 17-year-old Justice Forney were visiting a friend Wednesday around 6:30 p.m. at The Farrington Apartments on Rayford Road.
Authorities said Forney was handling a gun while Craddock was in the bathroom when the gun went off and Craddock was struck in the torso.
Authorities said Forney was questioned after the shooting and told authorities that it was an accidental shooting. Eyewitness testimony confirmed the story, authorities said.
Craddock was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, but authorities said he was dead when he got there.
Authorities said Forney was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence. Authorities said Forney threw the gun into a nearby dumpster after the shooting. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and the brother could face additional charges.
Detectives said Forney brought the gun to the apartment and it was reported stolen through the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Neighbor Michelle Buchanan told KPRC she came home about 10 p.m. Wednesday to a swarm of detectives.
"I have kids that live in this complex, and they all go to school together so it was really tragic to hear of a young person losing his life," Buchanan said. "I feel bad for sorry for that family that has to deal with that, loss of a brother, a family member.”