HOUSTON – The two suspects, a 17 andd 18-year-old, accused of shooting a woman to death and injuring a teen on a METRO bus, have been arrested and charged.
Brayden Smith, 17, has been charged with murder, and 18-year-old Patrick Scott has been charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon.
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What Happened
Houston police responded to the shooting on METRO bus #2611, Route 161, near the intersection of Walnut Bend and Richmond at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
RELATED: Search underway for man accused of fatally shooting woman, injuring man on Houston METRO bus
Officers learned that a 25-year-old woman had been shot in the head and a 16-year-old was injured. Detectives later clarified that both victims were innocent bystanders and not part of the argument the gunmen were having before the shooting.
HPD is searching for these two suspects (below) wanted for the fatal shooting of a female, 25, and injury of a juvenile male, 16, at 10800 Richmond about 2:30 p.m. yesterday (Jan. 7).
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) January 8, 2026
TIPS: Call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @CrimeStopHOU
More info: https://t.co/MaG5sMUzdQ pic.twitter.com/NTi4d7ehV9
The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital, and the teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said Smith and Scott were arguing, and the woman and the teen were shot when both suspects fired guns.
Smith, who is charged with murder, is the one investigators believe fired the shot that led to the woman’s death.
Scott, who is charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, was out on bond for a felony aggravated robbery at the time of this incident. He also has a misdemeanor evading charge.
METRO released the following updated statement regarding the incident:
“METRO extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the passenger who lost her life in yesterday’s shooting aboard Bus No. 2611 on Route 161 near Walnut Bend and Richmond. This was a tragic and senseless act of violence, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this devastating incident.
Upon further investigation of the case, it has been confirmed that the incident involved two individuals who discharged firearms while onboard the bus. A female passenger who was not involved in the altercation was fatally struck, and another passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Both suspects have now been taken into custody. The individual who fired first and caused the fatal injury has been charged with murder. The second individual, who allegedly returned fire and injured another passenger, has been charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The METRO Police Department worked closely with the Houston Police Department throughout the investigation. Surveillance footage from the bus was quickly secured and shared with investigators, which, along with witness information, helped identify the suspects and supported the rapid arrests.
While no transit system can prevent every violent act, this case reflects the importance of coordinated response, surveillance technology and community cooperation in holding offenders accountable.
HPD remains the lead agency in this homicide investigation, with MPD continuing to support all aspects of the case."