Houston ISD Westbury High School student killed in shooting near campus

HOUSTON - A 17-year-old student was killed in a shooting near Houston ISD's Westbury High School on Friday morning.

On Friday evening, police announced the arrest of a teen suspect in connection to the death of LePaul Warren.

Student killed in shooting near school

The backstory:

The shooting was reported shortly before 8:30 a.m. at an off-campus spot near Westbury High School where students sometimes hangout in the morning.

Police say someone reportedly came out of a wooded area nearby, words were exchanged and then Warren was shot.

Campus police and a staff member went to the scene after the shooting and attempted lifesaving measures while paramedics responded. Tragically, Warren did not survive.

17-year-old suspect arrested

What we know:

On Friday evening, authorities announced the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect.

Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz stated that the suspect had a weapon at the time of his arrest, but it's not clear if it is the same one that was used in the deadly shooting.

What we don't know:

The suspect's identity has not yet been released. Officials did state that he is not a student at any Houston ISD schools.

Police are also still trying to determine a motive for the shooting.

Dig deeper:

Click here to read more about the arrest and get the latest updates.

Family identifies teen

Family identified LePaul Warren as the teen who was killed in the shooting.

Warren was a senior at the high school. He played basketball and football.

"He's a good kid, and you can't say nothing bad about him. He's just a good kid. He's going to be loved everywhere, and he's going to be missed by everybody," his uncle, Darwin Prater, said.

His uncle says Warren was good at every sport and was the life of the party.

‘We are heartbroken’

Local perspective:

Houston ISD says Westbury High School was placed on secure mode during the nearby investigation. Officials say the school was not placed on lockdown because the incident did not occur on campus. 

Officials say students and staff on campus remained safe.

After-school activities have been canceled at the school on Friday, including the homecoming dance.

Crisis counselors were on campus Friday and will return on Monday.

"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," said Superintendent Mike Miles. "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. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers and campus staff who responded this morning and worked to ensure the safety of everyone on campus."

2nd Houston-area student killed this week

This shooting comes just days after a 15-year-old Spring ISD student was killed in a shooting near Westfield High School, located north of Houston.

A 14-year-old suspect was arrested in that shooting and charged with murder.

Dig deeper:

14-year-old suspect charged with murder following shooting near Westfield High School

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