A 14-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting at a house party in Lavon, Texas. According to a report by FOX San Antonio, the murder investigation began after the teen allegedly shot and killed a 24-year-old man during a dispute at a party on Saturday.
Lavon Police Chief Michael Jones, who has been with the department for 26 years, faced charging a minor with murder for the first time. He is certain that the 14-year-old had accomplices in hiding after the commission of the crime. After reportedly exchanging words and becoming physical with Romeo English, the victim, the young suspect proceeded to shoot and kill English at close range, as detailed by FOX 4 News.
The teen fled the scene, eluding capture for two days before a family member brought him to a pastor, who subsequently turned him over to law enforcement. As part of their ongoing investigation, Lavon police are now looking into potential charges against individuals who may have assisted the suspect during his time on the run. "And we will investigate anyone involved and we will prosecute everyone that we have the legal opportunity to do so," Chief Jones told FOX 4 News. "Justice is never served if the defendant is never brought before the system."
Amidst their grief, Romeo English's pregnant girlfriend and her mother, Kewanita Brownfield, are seeking answers. In a poignant query, Brownfield asked FOX 4 News, "If it was a minor, where did the gun from? A 14-year-old with a gun? And how did he get it? Where were the parents?" The suspect, identified as a student at Community Trails Middle School, has not attended classes since November. Chief Jones highlighted the importance of identifying and assisting troubled youth early on, but declined to discuss the teen's family life or living situation in the same interview.
Lavon Police, alongside the ATF, are actively working to trace the origins of the handgun used in the shooting. While the case has stirred the community, with neighbors expressing their shock to FOX San Antonio, the incident sheds light on broader issues of youth violence and firearm accessibility. As Chief Jones stated to FOX 4 News, "I don’t think you can have enough police on the street to make sure that someone doesn’t get angry in a house. I think that the real systemic change in this area comes from addressing the root causes."
