TEXAS CITY, Texas – A 16-year-old boy was found shot to death outside a home in Galveston County early Thursday, authorities say.
“I can’t put it together, and I still can’t,” neighbor Reginald Jones said.
Reginald Jones said he couldn’t believe the news.
“This morning surprised me. Opening my door and seeing all the yellow tape off in my neighbor’s yard, I didn’t know what was going on,” he said.
Police in Texas City say the teen, who was a junior at La Marque High School, was found in the front yard of a home located in the 5100 block of Acorn Circle just before 4 a.m.
“I’ve seen him up and down the street. He’s a very nice kid, you know. Didn’t look like anybody would have any beef with him,” Jones said.
When officers arrived, they found the teen laying in the yard with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, investigators said.
Jones said the teen was humble and quiet.
“It’s sad. It hurt me to see a young man that’s doing good and something like this here happen,” he said.
The tragic news has left the community shaken.
“Whoever did this, you know, I hope they get him. I hope he pays for it,” Jones said.
In a statement sent to students and parents, La Marque Middle-High School Principal Ricky Nicholson said in part,
“We were saddened to learn that one of our 11th-grade students at La Marque High School died early this morning. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to this young man’s family and his friends.”
Police said they do not have information on a suspect. They also did not release the victim’s identity.
A homicide investigation is currently underway to determine what led to the shooting.
Anyone with information on the shooting can call Texas City Police Department Criminal Investigations at 409-643-5720, Galveston County Crime Stoppers at 409-945-8477 or submit a tip online here.
The Mainland Communities Crime Stoppers has increased a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest or charges filed in this case.