On Sept. 25, the Houston Police Department received a report of gunfire outside Westbury High School in Houston, Texas, where a teenager was fatally shot following an altercation. Authorities confirmed the incident during a press conference, stating that officers arrived at the scene at approximately 8:21 a.m. local time.
The victim, identified as LePaul Warren, was a 17-year-old senior at Westbury High School. Despite the efforts of emergency responders who administered life-saving measures at the scene, Warren succumbed to his injuries.
Later that evening, a 17-year-old male suspect was taken into custody. HPD Chief J. Noe Diaz confirmed at the press conference that the individual was not enrolled in any school within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). The suspect allegedly fled the scene immediately after the fatal shooting. His identity has not been released to the public, and it remains unclear whether he has been formally charged or has obtained legal representation. Diaz noted that the suspect could face charges as an adult.
“We’re being told there was a group of young people that hung out there and someone came out of a wooded area [near] another complex and some words were exchanged. Someone produced a handgun, and unfortunately the young man lost his life as a result,” Chief Diaz stated during the Sept. 25 press conference.
Diaz further explained the investigation, stating, “We identified a resident that we thought that he perhaps may be, and with our on-the-ground surveillance [team] … we saw him leave the area and we followed him until we were positively able to identify who he was.”
During the arrest, a weapon was recovered from the suspect, though Diaz noted it was not yet confirmed whether it was the firearm used in the shooting.
A friend of Warren’s who witnessed the incident spoke with KHOU 11, recalling, “I hid behind the car, because I just saw his body fall and I didn’t want to just leave him … I just at least wanted to give him a chance to survive.”
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles issued a statement addressing the tragedy, stating, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a Westbury High School student. My thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire Westbury community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Miles continued, “HISD is providing counseling and additional support for students and staff at Westbury, and we will continue to support the school community in the days ahead.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, Westbury High School canceled its homecoming dance scheduled for Sept. 25, as well as the homecoming game planned for the following day. Requests for comment were directed to Westbury High School, the HPD, the HISD, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on Sept. 26, though no immediate responses were received.
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