Houston communities mourn teens killed in separate shootings

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston-area communities gathered Saturday to mourn the lives of two teenagers killed in separate shootings and to call attention to youth gun violence.

A memorial service was held at Fallbrook Church for 15-year-old Royce Witchet, a Westfield High School student who was killed by gunfire outside the school on Sept. 23.

The church was filled with family, friends, classmates, and community members who came together to celebrate Witchet’s life.

A 14-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with Witchet’s death, according to authorities.

The memorial was one of multiple events held in recent weeks following the deaths of young people in the Houston area.

On Houston’s south side near Westbury High School, community members also gathered Saturday to honor 17-year-old LePaul Warren Jr.

Warren, a senior, was shot outside Westbury High School on Sept. 25, according to officials.

Seventeen-year-old Travoris Hines was charged with murder in connection with Warren’s death, according to authorities.

Organizers held a walk in Warren’s honor, with participants also raising awareness about youth gun violence and collecting funds to support Warren’s family.

Joshua Grant, one of the organizers, said Warren was like a little brother to him.

Jaymari Robinson, another organizer, said the community’s support is intended to help Warren’s mother and sister while keeping his memory alive.

“I feel like us coming together to support his mom and sister and making sure everything goes smoothly this weekend and next week will help us remember him, and not only him … the people who passed that weekend too,” Robinson said.

As the group continued its walk, organizers said they hope young people can avoid gun violence and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

“You can’t press pause on life. You can’t press timeout. If you could, there would be a lot of pauses and a lot of timeouts,” Robinson said.

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