HOUSTON -- Four teenagers were charged in connection with the robbery and shooting death of a reserve deputy constable, KPRC Local 2 reported Saturday.

Officials said Precinct 6 reserve deputy Carltrell Lewayne Odom, 22, was shot and killed at his apartment complex in the 4800 block of Allendale at Howard at about 9:25 p.m. Thursday during a botched robbery.

Odom was off duty, standing in the parking lot of the Concord Apartments with two friends, when four gunmen tried to rob them, according to authorities.

Alan Michael Nickerson, 17, Damion Delwon Edwards, 18, and Wallace Henry Hightower, 17, were charged with capital murder in Odom's death.

A fourth suspect, a 16-year-old male, will be referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on a charge of capital murder.

Nickerson, who police said confessed to being the shooter, appeared in front of judge Saturday night. He told police he was in the process of getting an attorney to defend him.

The assistant district attorney said police found a stolen cell phone in Nickerson's bedroom after they searched his home.

Wallace Hightower also appeared in front of a judge. Bond was denied.

All the suspects are students at Jones High School.

"To see youngsters in so much trouble is very sad. It's not like they can outgrow the charges. They are either getting the death penalty or life in prison," said Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino.

Odom had been with Precinct 6 for about two years. He worked an average of 100 hours a month. Reserve deputies typically work 24 hours a month.

"The guy was full of life. It's just a tragedy," Harris County Deputy Constable Teresa Garcia said. "They say, what is true, is that God takes the good ones all the time, I guess. He will surely be missed."

"He was just a jovial guy -- good personality," said Capt. Tyrone Berry with Harris County Precinct 6.

A fund for Odom's family has been set up because he did not have insurance.

Donations can be made at the Harris County Federal Credit Union, 1400 Franklin Street.

Odom's funeral will be held on Wednesday, the day after his 23rd birthday.