Police searching for suspects who fatally shot 9th grade Lamar High School student in west Houston

HOUSTON – Houston police are searching for suspects who gunned down a teen in west Houston on Friday.

According to Houston police, Axel Turcios was in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 9500 block of Ella Lee Lane around 8:10 p.m. when he was approached by two unknown men, who opened fire on him.

Police believe the suspects then took an item from the victim, then fled the scene in a dark-colored Chrysler PT Cruiser, traveling northbound on Tanglewilde Street.

Paramedics transported Axel to the hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries the following day. He was only 14 years old.

Axel’s father told KPRC 2 that, on the day of the shooting, Axel went with his friends to a fast food restaurant after school, then arrived home shortly after 6 p.m.

The father and son spent some time together cleaning up, then Axel left around 7:45 p.m. to visit his aunt.

His mother and father gave their permission.

Minutes later, an apartment maintenance man told them he thought their son had been shot.

The parents ran to their son, and his mother rode with him in the ambulance. His father also had a chance to be with his son before he took his last breath.

The family said Axel was a ninth grader at Lamar High School.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

A GoFundMe account has been made to help the family pay for the teen’s funeral expenses.

Photos provided by family of Axel Turcios (KPRC)
Photos provided by family of Axel Turcios (KPRC)
Photos provided by family of Axel Turcios (KPRC)

About the Authors:

Award-winning journalist, mother, YouTuber, social media guru, millennial, mentor, storyteller, University of Houston alumna and Houston-native.

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.