Baytown, Texas — A teenage boy was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a 14-year-old girl at a local apartment complex playground on Friday afternoon, authorities said. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. in the 4600 block of Village Lane, and the victim was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Police reports reveal that earlier in the day, an altercation possibly involving the two teenagers might have occurred, potentially during their ride on a school bus. The suspect and victim were both students at Baytown Junior High School, part of the Goose Creek Independent School District.
Late Friday afternoon, according to eyewitnesses, the teenage boy, dressed in black and wearing a mask, called out the girl’s name in the playground before firing four shots. Family members identified the girl as Anaya Zachary, describing the devastating moment.
Sonya Stanford, Anaya’s godmother, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, recounting that Anaya had lived with her at the apartment complex for the last year. She was unaware of any ongoing conflicts between the teens. Stanford described Anaya as “a sweet baby,” illustrating her grief with a photo of Anaya displayed on her smartphone.
The suspected shooter’s name has not been disclosed by the Baytown police due to his minor status. Stanford conveyed a message of forgiveness toward the young boy, directing her frustration towards the adults responsible for his upbringing and access to firearms. “I’m not angry with you, but I want you to know I forgive you,” Stanford said, addressing the shooter. She further criticized his parents for their negligence in securing the firearm.
As of now, the specific charges the teenage suspect faces remain unclear, nor has there been any disclosed information regarding possible charges against his parents.
In the wake of the shooting, controversy has also risen around safety measures and supervision at local educational institutions. Officials from Goose Creek ISD had not yet commented on the incident or detailed any measures to address student grief, though the need for psychological support was palpable.
The Baytown community has been left in shock and mourning as they grapple with the ramifications of the tragedy. Calls for improved safety protocols and better parental supervision of firearms have intensified, underlining the dire need to prevent such incidents in the future.
In light of the shooting, dialogue within the community and among local officials is expected to focus on enhancing security and support structures for students both within the school environment and beyond. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers, hoping for measures that will ensure the safety and well-being of every child.