Documents detail moments ‘paranoid’ drug dealer allegedly fatally shot Houston teen he believed wanted to rob him

Raymond Young, 44, has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of John Anthony Smith. (KPRC)

HOUSTON – A search warrant outlined details leading up to the moments a drug dealer allegedly fatally shot a 17-year-old in 2022, according to authorities.

Raymond Young, 44, was arrested and charged in the murder of John Anthony Smith.

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On May 22, 2022, officers with the Houston Police Department went to investigate a possible shooting scene in the 1300 block of East 35th Street.

When police arrived at the home, they noticed fresh blood on the lawn and a large crowd had gathered in the area. Several of the windows of the residence were shot out, but no one was inside.

A witness later called law enforcement and told them they had seen a murder happen in the house.

The witness reported being at the home with Young and another man a day earlier. The witness said Young was acting paranoid and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The witness said Young also sold drugs.

As the witness was leaving, the teenager, aka “Gordo,” was pulling up. The witness said Young said he thought Gordo was there to rob him, so he pulled out a gun pointed it at the boy.

A bullet was not released the first time he pulled the trigger, but in the second attempt, Young shot the teen in the face, documents state.

The witness said Young fired several more shots, with at least two more striking the victim, as the witness ran away.

Police also said bystanders reported seeing Young putting the victim in the bed of his pickup truck.

The teenager’s body was later found dumped in the 3900 block of Watonga Boulevard.


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