21-year-old arrested, accused of shooting, killing 17-year-old girl he was said to be dating in E. Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 21-year-old man has been arrested, accused of shooting and killing a 17-year-old girl he was said to be in a dating relationship with in the Baytown area.

Tomas Bautista is charged with murder and is currently in the Harris County Jail.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says the shooting happened early Sunday morning in the 7800 block of Richards Street.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says deputies responded and found the 17-year-old at the location. She had been shot and the alleged shooter, identified as Bautista, had fled the scene.

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The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gonzalez said Bautista later returned to the scene and was detained. Investigators later learned the two were in a dating relationship.

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“This tragic, senseless act of violence at one time ended a life and tore a family apart. Many teens are experiencing dating violence and it can lead to deadly consequences,” Gonzalez said. “Domestic violence at any age can turn deadly and we all need to do a better job of equipping kids to recognize early signs of abusive behavior.”