KINGWOOD, Texas – Montgomery County deputies arrested a 17-year-old suspect Wednesday after a Houston police officer’s 14-year-old son was fatally shot in Kingwood Monday night, authorities said.
Bryan Smith Jr. is charged with capital murder in connection with the 14-year-old’s shooting death.
The case remains under investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are combing through evidence, conducting interviews and executing additional search warrants.
Authorities said they have not yet determined a motive in the shooting and added that the teenagers both attended Porter High School and were considered friends.
New Caney ISD released the following statement regarding the case:
“New Caney ISD has learned that the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old Porter High School student in connection with the death of a 14-year-old Porter High School student. We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. Additional counselors remain available at school for students and staff as needed.
We understand that the events of the past few days are disconcerting for students, parents, and staff. Please know that New Caney ISD takes any challenge to the safety and security of its students, staff, and schools very seriously and will take appropriate action to support school safety. We encourage students, staff, and the public to report any concerns regarding school safety through the district’s Safe School Reporting form, Crime Stoppers, or directly to school administration or law enforcement.
The school district will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement as their investigation moves forward. Please refer to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for additional information.”
Meanwhile Porter High School students are still processing what happened.
“It’s really sad because you know those are your classmates, those are your friends, he was my friend,” Taylor Brown, a Porter High School student, said.
“I think that the school should be commenting more on what’s happening because it impacts everyone,” Brianna Morgan, another student, said.
Parents of Porter High School students said they hope the violence ends.
“It’s a sad day, and I don’t really know the solution to the problem, but we’re going to have to work with our youth,” Bonita Lynn, Brown’s mother, said.
Authorities held a briefing Wednesday. View the news conference in its entirety below.
What happened?
Deputies said at about 8:20 p.m. Monday, they were dispatched to the 25000 block of N. King Mills Lane for reports of shots fired.
During the investigation, deputies said they learned a woman was walking on N. Kings Mill Lane when she heard multiple gunshots near the intersection of Pauldron Drive. According to investigators, the woman said she also witnessed two men run from the area.
According to deputies, the woman continued her walk when she came upon an unresponsive 14-year-old boy lying on the sidewalk with apparent gunshot wounds. Deputies said the woman called authorities.
Detectives with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit said the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of the teen are still under investigation.
Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-760-5800 or contact Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 800-392-STOP (7867) and refer to case #21A293752.