HOUSTON – Police have arrested who they believe shot and killed a 17-year-old acquaintance at a graduation party over the weekend.
Omari Sykes, 18, has been charged with murder. Police said his bond has been set at $100,000.
It happened at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston- Greenway Plaza on Saturday morning.
According to court documents, Sykes, who was out on bond for evading arrest, shot Nashibo Taylor in the hallway of the hotel after a physical confrontation.
Witnesses told police that Taylor was an invited guest of the teen graduating.
Documents reveal Taylor and Sykes did not speak when they first saw each other but immediately began fighting in the hallway of the hotel for three to five seconds.
That is when documents say Taylor punched Sykes in the head and then Sykes pulled out a .40 semi-automatic pistol and shot and killed Taylor.
Houston police investigating homicide involving juvenile at DoubleTree hotel on Greenway Plaza
Taylor’s mother told KPRC 2 that her son is not graduating this year, but was at the party. She said she is still processing the information and did not want to comment further.
Management at DoubleTree praised first responders for the work they did following the shooting.
“We had night security in place and our night security responded once we had an issue in the hotel,” said General Manager Jerry Mathers. “I’m sure the family of the deceased is in total shock. Our hearts go out to them.”
Mathers said the 911 operator was incredible as she directed people at the hotel on how to give CPR to Taylor to try and save his life.