HOUSTON -- The attorney for a 16-year-old girl accused of killing a 14-year-old boy asked that his client be held in custody because he fears someone may try to kill her, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.
"This has the potential to turn into a gang warfare," attorney Rick DeToto said.
Police said the 16-year-old girl stabbed Gabriel Granillo in a fight at Ervin Chew Park on Wednesday.
"That's probably the first time in my career I've ever asked for somebody to be detained," DeToto said.
DeToto said there has been a specific and reliable threat against the girl and her mother.
The judge agreed to keep the girl in a juvenile facility.
The girl's mother was not at the hearing at DeToto's request.
"Obviously she does support her daughter," DeToto said. "I've advised her, due to the risk of danger to her, not to show up to the courtroom. I don't want her face on the media. I don't want her face in the paper. I don't want her name out there."
DeToto said his client is not a gang member, but he thinks the stabbing could lead to a war between gangs.
"I think that the threat is serious and it's ongoing and we're very concerned about that," DeToto said.
DeToto said his client was just trying to defend herself at the park and others may be responsible for Granillo's death.
Charges have not officially been filed against the 16-year-old.
A memorial set up at the park by Granillo's friends and family was destroyed Sunday.
More lights will be put up at Chew Park after an order from a high-ranking city official, KPRC reported.
"(This is from) up top, " said Philip Spencer with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
On Monday, ball field lamps were repositioned to light up the area where Granillo was stabbed.
"Why did a nice guy have to die? (He was) one of the best guys I've ever met," said Guadalupe Ramirez, Granillo's girlfriend.
Another detention hearing will be held on June 23.
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