Three Houston Teens Killed in Unrelated Shootings; Teenage Suspects Charged

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Westbury High School Senior Killed Near Campus

The newest case involves 17-year-old Westbury High School senior and student-athlete LePaul Warren. Prior to classes starting on Friday morning, Warren was shot on a dead-end street close to the school known as “The Trail,” a frequent gathering spot for students both before and after the school day.

Houston police charged 17-year-old Travoris Jarrell Hines with murder in Warren’s death. Hines also faces a charge of unlawfully carrying a weapon. Police arrested Hines Friday evening while he walked along Hillcroft Avenue. Investigators stated he had a gun when arrested, though authorities have not confirmed whether that specific weapon was used in the shooting.

Investigators identified Hines using witnesses, surveillance video, phone data, and a photo lineup. Hines faces a probable cause court appearance where a judge will determine whether probable cause exists to hold him and address bond. Police have not confirmed whether Hines and Warren knew each other prior to the shooting, and a motive remains unreleased.

Warren stood out as a standout in both football and basketball. His death prompted Westbury High School to cancel its homecoming football game. Friends remembered Warren for his positive impact, with friend Benjamin Rodriguez stating, “LePaul, he always made me laugh.”

Westfield High School Student Killed Days Earlier

Days before Warren’s death, another Houston-area teenager died in a shooting near a high school. Fifteen-year-old Royce Witchet was shot and killed Tuesday just after school dismissal. The shooting occurred along a sidewalk near Westfield High School and the Spring ISD administration building.

A 14-year-old Spring ISD student faces a murder charge in Witchet’s death. Relatives of Witchet gathered on Friday to hold a memorial, letting go of balloons in his memory right around the hour he was declared dead. Family members stated Witchet sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the back.

During the memorial, family members called for increased security around the school, expressing belief that a stronger police presence could have prevented the tragedy. One family member remarked on the ongoing violence, stating, “We’re doing this too many times. We’re doing this too many times young people.”

Seventeen-Year-Old Found Dead Inside Vehicle in August

The third case, which is unrelated to the school-area shootings, occurred in August. Responding to a call about an injured person inside an automobile, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the 12,800 block of Montclair Bend on August 22. Deputies found 17-year-old Tavian Soileau dead inside the vehicle.

Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives and crime scene investigators handled the initial investigation and follow-up work. This week, authorities arrested a 14-year-old and transported the juvenile to the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center. The juvenile faces a murder charge for alleged involvement in Soileau’s death. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances or a possible motive.

Local Officials Respond to Teen Violence

The three cases prompted concern from local officials regarding young people and gun violence. Following the Westbury shooting, Houston Mayor John Whitmire addressed the violence during a news conference, expressing frustration that confrontations are escalating into gunfire.

“We know the Westfield happened this week,” Mayor Whitmire said, “I’m angry that confrontations are leading to violence.”

While the three cases remain unconnected, their occurrence within a relatively short period involving teenage victims and teenage suspects highlights an urgent community crisis. For the families and friends of LePaul Warren, Royce Witchet, and Tavian Soileau, the investigations continue alongside the profound grief of young lives lost to gun violence.

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