The Houston community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old LePaul Warren Jr., a senior at Westbury High School and standout athlete who was fatally shot near the school Friday morning.
Houston police responded to a shooting around 8:20 a.m. on September 25 near 5400 Dryad Drive, just steps from the Westbury High School campus. Officers found Warren suffering from a gunshot wound. Houston Fire Department paramedics attempted to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Warren was remembered as a talented student-athlete who played both football and basketball for Westbury. He was a varsity football wide receiver and a starting player on the school’s basketball team. He had also earned all-district recognition for basketball.
Family members and friends described Warren as respectful, polite and well-liked. Following his death, a memorial near the school grew to include flowers, candles, balloons, photographs, a football and a basketball as classmates, teammates and community members came together to remember him.
Teen Suspect Charged With Murder
The investigation led authorities to 17-year-old Travoris Jarrell Hines.
According to Houston police and court documents, Hines was arrested Friday evening while walking in the area with a handgun. He has been charged with murder and is also facing a misdemeanor charge for unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Police said Hines is not currently enrolled in any Houston Independent School District schools. Investigators recovered a firearm when he was arrested, although authorities initially said they were still determining whether that weapon was used in Warren’s shooting.
Houston police have not announced a motive. Authorities said Hines and Warren may have encountered one another through social media, but the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
According to a September 28 Houston Police Department update, investigators identified Hines after speaking with witnesses and conducting additional investigative work. HPD said Hines later admitted to his role in the fatal shooting.
Westbury Community Grieves
The shooting sent shockwaves through Westbury High School. The campus was placed in secure mode as police investigated, although officials said the shooting occurred outside the school and there was no active threat inside the building. Counselors were made available to students and staff following the tragedy.
The school’s homecoming dance and football game were canceled after Warren’s death.
Warren’s death came during a difficult week for the Houston-area school community. Earlier that week, 15-year-old Westfield High School student Royce Witchet was fatally shot near his school in a separate incident. Authorities have not indicated that the shootings were connected.
Warren’s family, friends, teammates and classmates are remembering him as his life was cut short months before his expected high school graduation.
The Y’all Know What family extends condolences to Warren’s family, friends, classmates, teammates and everyone mourning his loss.
May he rest in peace.
