HOUSTON – Local 2 has learned extra police officers were at a southwest Houston school campus Wednesday following the shooting death of a 14-year-old student.
Houston police say Javier Alejo was shot as he and another person sat outside of their apartment in the 8900 block of Beechnut on Tuesday night.
Alejo was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition and later died.
Police haven't released a motive, but sources told Local 2 that investigators believe the shooting was gang related.
A spokesperson for HISD confirmed Alejo was a student at Sugar Grove Academy and said counselors and security support were on campus Wednesday. She referred all other questions to the Houston Police Department.
Letters were sent home with students Wednesday afternoon, notifying parents about Alejo's death. The letter also said even though the incident happened off campus, additional measures are being taken to ensure the safety of students.
"It's really sad. You become concerned about the safety of your children and the area where they are living," said a parent, who didn't want to be identified.
Several police vehicles could also be seen patrolling the area around the school after the school day ended. Local 2 has learned several fights have happened in the area recently, also possibly gang related.
The suspects in the shooting are described as two men. They were last seen in a white or silver 4-door sedan.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.