The Baytown community has been shocked by the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Anaya Zachary. The incident took place at an apartment complex playground when Zachary was reportedly approached by a classmate and shot. Zachary's family is now grappling with the loss, honoring her memory, and seeking justice. Joseph Zachary, Anaya's father, expressed his disbelief at the tragic outcome of what he thought were minor altercations at school. He told KHOU, "Everybody loves my baby, everybody loves my baby. She was special."

Anaya was described as a sweet, honor-roll student with a kind heart. Her godmother Sonya Stanford, provided care for her over the past year and is now left to say that she forgives the 13-year-old boy accused of the shooting. The suspect, who is currently in custody, has not had his name released by police owing to his age, as reported by KHOU.

A purple balloon release was held in Anaya's honor, with purple being her favorite color. The family has also started an online fundraiser to help with funeral expenses and intend to return Anaya's body to Louisiana, where she was raised. Meanwhile, students at Anaya's school are planning a tribute by wearing purple in her memory next week, as per KHOU.

Stanford revealed the devastating details of the confrontation, explaining that after an argument on the school bus, the boy left and returned dressed in all black with a mask. "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," she told Click2Houston. The tragedy has sparked deep frustration with the accessibility of firearms, with Stanford expressing disappointment over the suspect's parents' failure to secure the weapon that was used in the shooting. The investigation by the Baytown police is ongoing, and further details will be shared as they become available.