Mug shot released of 17-year-old suspect charged in shooting death of Galena Park HS student

Johnny Lewis, 17. (Harris County Sheriff's Office)

GALENA PARK, Texas – A teenager was arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of another teen that happened in the Galena Park area Thursday, according to deputies with Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Johnny Lewis, 15, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting death of Marcos Orta, who was also 17 years old.

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Deputies say the shooting took place at around 5 p.m. at a community center near Galena Park High School, located in the 1300 block of Keene Street.

According to HCSO, Orta, a Galena Park HS senior, was shot in the neck, face, and arm. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead shortly after.

Investigators said Orta was in the parking lot of the recreation center when he was approached by two males and shot by at least one of them. The reason for the shooting is not known at this time, but investigators believe it may be drug related.

Deputies said the suspects then fled the scene in a silver-colored sedan, possibly a Toyota Camry.

Investigators are trying to determine the identity of the second suspect involved in this case.

“We will have extra security in place to assist the School Resource Officers who are assigned to the school campuses,” Chief Wagner said.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS or call the HCSO Homicide Unit or Galena Park PD at (713) 675-3471.


About the Authors:

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.

Prairie View A&M University graduate with a master’s degree in Digital Media Studies from Sam Houston State. Delta woman. Proud aunt. Lover of the color purple. 💜