Houston, Texas — A tragic incident at a local park in Spring Branch has escalated into a major investigation, with a 16-year-old facing charges of capital murder after the deaths of another teenager and a 24-year-old man. Authorities are withholding the identity of the accused due to his minor status.
The violent encounter unfolded on September 12 at Bauer Pocket Park, where police discovered two bodies in close proximity: 16-year-old Deric Ward, who was found lifeless at the bottom of a playground slide, and Jaquez Moore, whose body lay just outside the park’s boundaries. A firearm was recovered near Moore, adding complexity to the scene.
According to a witness at the scene, an individual believed to be the shooter was seen leaving the area and later returning. A nearby worker provided a chilling account, stating the gunman approached Moore’s body, apparently to check for signs of life, before fleeing the scene with another individual.
The Houston Police Department reported that Moore and the two teenagers had been present at the park and became involved in a confrontation that escalated to gunfire. Initial investigations suggest robbery was the motive behind the altercation, more details emerged as the inquiry continued.
Additional testimony and evidence collected by law enforcement eventually led to the identification of the two 16-year-olds as suspects in this devastating event. The community, known for its tranquility, has been left in shock by the violence, disrupting the sense of safety among residents.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the crime, law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the neighborhood is rallying together, hoping for healing and justice in the wake of this tragedy. The case, still under active investigation, underscores the ongoing challenges of policing and youth violence in urban areas.