BAYTOWN, Texas – The 13-year-old boy accused of shooting and killing a 14-year-old classmate after an argument on a school bus has been charged with murder.
Baytown Police released more information about the shooting which led to the death of 14-year-old Anaya Zachary.
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It happened last Friday around 4 p.m. at the Village Lane apartment complex in Baytown.
Police say they were called to the complex for a reported shooting and found the girl, identified as Zachary by family members, near the complex playground with gunshot wounds.
Life-saving measures were taken by police until medics arrived. Zachary was taken to a hospital where she later died.
Police added a bystander, a woman who was holding her baby, sustained an injury from the fired rounds. She and the baby were taken to a hospital for evaluation, but were cleared and released.
Zachary and the 13-year-old boy were both students at Goose Creek CISD. Police say the two had been in an argument earlier on a school bus. Later in the day, the boy saw Zachary at the apartment complex playground and started shooting.
“He went home, put on all black, put on a black mask, and came back and called my baby’s name and he shot my baby four times,” Zachary’s godmother, Sonya Stanford, told KPRC 2 on Friday.
Baytown Police say the investigation remains ongoing and the 13-year-old remains in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center. He has been charged with murder.
“This tragic incident has deeply affected our community,” said Baytown Police Chief John Stringer. “Our officers responded quickly, providing aid and securing the scene. As we continue to investigate, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and the severe consequences that violence can have.”
In response, Baytown Police say they will be increasing their presence in the area.
“While the investigation has led to the arrest of the suspect and no further suspects are believed to be involved, we ask our community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Your safety is our top priority,” police said.
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