MUG SHOT: 18-year-old accused of fatally shooting 12-year-old boy walking home with friends in Sunnyside arrested

HOUSTON – An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested after allegedly killing a 12-year-old boy while he was walking home with his friends in the Sunnyside area Monday night.

According to court records, capital murder charges have been filed against Kahlis Willis.

RELATED: 12-year-old dead after being shot multiple times in Sunnyside area; 18-year-old suspected gunman remains on the run

The shooting took place on Labor Day in the 4100 block of Barberry Street.

Investigators said the victim, Freddrick Johnson, was walking home with friends when they got into an argument with Willis.

That argument escalated, and Willis allegedly opened fire at the group, fatally striking Freddrick several times.

As of Wednesday morning, Willis had not received a bond amount and remained in the Harris County Jail.

Court documents show that Willis, who lives in the Spring area, was arrested in 2022 for assault of a family member. He was released on bond and the case was ultimately dismissed.


About the Authors

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.

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.

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