HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The identities of a teenager and a child who died earlier this week in north Houston after reportedly playing with a gun have been released.
According to the original report, Houston Police Department officers responded around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday to two tragic incidents: the accidental shooting of an 11-year-old boy and the apparent suicide of a 17-year-old.
Police said the two victims, who were relatives, along with their 14-year-old family member, were playing with a gun at an apartment complex on Arto Street. The 17-year-old had allegedly brought the gun to the home, possibly to show it off.
Authorities explained that the 17-year-old placed the gun on a bed, after which the 14-year-old relative picked it up, believing it to be unloaded. Tragically, when the trigger was pulled, the gun discharged, striking the 11-year-old.
The 11-year-old, identified as Jason Henriquez, was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the medical examiner’s office.
The 17-year-old, identified as Christopher Reyes Henriquez, ran to a railroad behind the apartment complex and shot himself after the incident. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died. Police mentioned that family members had tried to talk to him as he was distraught.
The 14-year-old girl was not physically injured in the incident.
“Very tragic scene,” commented Assistant Chief Keith Seafous on the night of the incident.
HPD is reminding all gun owners to ensure their firearms are properly stored and secured to prevent them from falling into the hands of children.
