HOUSTON – Lamar High School had grief counselors available Friday after two students were found shot to death Thursday at an apartment complex in Upper Kirby, according to police.
Police identified Pierce Schwartz as one of the teens who died Friday afternoon. The second teen has now been identified as Samuel Yeargain.
Students returned to school Friday with heavy hearts.
“Anytime something like this happens in the past, it’s always been quiet. The halls are a little silent,” said Max Ha, a senior. “I don’t know, kinda [sic] feels empty for a little bit.”
Police said they believe the shooting was a murder-suicide and the teens were best friends.
The victims, two 15-year-old boys, were found dead inside an apartment in the 3100 block of Buffalo Speedway around 5 p.m., police said.
The mother of one of the teens made the discovery, according to police.
Police said the mother was not home at the time of the shooting. The gun that was used in the shooting was a family-owned gun, police said.
Police said the mother's son was dealing with chronic mental issues.
“She did indicate that he might've (been) going through chronic mental issues,” said HPD Assistant Chief Henry Gaw. “But again this is all preliminary."
The medical examiner will be performing autopsies on the bodies Friday, officials said.
It is not clear what led up to the shooting.
HISD released the following statement:
"The Houston Independent School District is saddened to learn about the tragic deaths of two students from Lamar High School that occurred off-campus. We extend our deepest sympathies to each student’s family and friends, as well as the school community. The district is making grief counselors available at Lamar to assist school administrators and students."