A 17-year-old suspect is currently in custody in connection with the shooting death of LePaul Warren, a two-sport athlete at Westbury High School on Friday.
At a press conference late Friday night, Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz said officers took the suspect into custody in the 11300 block of Hillcroft Avenue, less than four minutes from the school. Diaz said the suspect was walking in the area when officers detained him, and drones were used to conduct surveillance at a nearby apartment. The suspect, according to Diaz, is not enrolled at any HISD school, nor do they have a motive for the killing.
Houston police are responding to a reported shooting near Westbury High School, where Houston ISD reportedly placed the campus in secure mode. (Tim Malcolm (Chron))
Westbury canceled its homecoming football game on Saturday in the wake of the shooting, as well as the homecoming dance, which was to take place on Friday night.
“It’s been a disturbing day in Houston,” Mayor John Whitmire said. “Very upsetting that instead of Friday night Westbury homecoming dance, we were here where the suspect is apprehended and it ruined so many people’s lives, ended Mr. Warren’s life and the suspect’s life will be ruined as well.”
Investigators are continuing to determine what led to the shooting, as Warren was with a group of people at a popular gathering spot near campus when the shooting took place. It is unclear whether Warren and the suspect knew one another, but Diaz said disputes can begin online between two parties and escalate in person.
Warren’s death is the second this week involving a high school student.
On Tuesday, 15-year-old Royce Witchet was shot and killed outside Westfield High School. The suspect, a 14-year-old, was arrested and charged with murder, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
HISD Police Chief Shamara Garner called it a “horrible day” for the community, which remembered Warren as both the athlete he was in basketball and football, as well as the person who many said had a “bright future.”
“It’s not a video game,” Garner said, stating that HISD law enforcement would continue to hold accountable anyone who harms students and that violence involving students would not be tolerated, whether it be on or near any school campus.
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This article originally published at 17-year-old suspect arrested in connection with star Houston athlete’s death.