Charges have been filed against two teenagers accused in a deadly shooting aboard a Metro bus that killed a 25-year-old woman, raising new questions about bond decisions and court supervision in Harris County.
Police said Caitlin Jacobi Stup was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. while riding a Metro bus near the 10800 block of Richmond Avenue. She was on her way to work. A 16-year-old boy was also shot and survived.
MORE INFO: 2 suspects in custody after deadly shooting on METRO bus that left woman dead, teen injured
A representative for Sweetgreen, where Stup worked, released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by Caitlin’s tragic and sudden passing. She was a beloved and valued member of the Sweetgreen community. Our heartfelt condolences are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. We are committed to supporting our Houston team as they grieve and honor her memory.”
Seventeen-year-old Brayden Smith is charged with murder. Eighteen-year-old Patrick Scott is charged with unlawful carry of a weapon. Scott appeared in court Thursday. Smith did not, with a judge stating he was unavailable due to being uncooperative.
Alief Independent School District confirmed Smith is a current student and Scott is a former student. The district said, “The case is being handled by the Houston Police Department, and we defer any further comment to them.”
According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from an argument between the two suspects while the bus was stopped to pick up passengers. Both suspects fled the scene but were later arrested with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Andy Kahan, director of victim services at Crime Stoppers of Houston, said the focus of the case should extend beyond the shooting itself to include the suspects’ criminal histories and prior court decisions.
“One of the defendants is charged with murder. He was on juvenile probation for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon,” Kahan said.
Kahan said Scott was also under court supervision at the time of the shooting.
“Patrick Scott was on probation. While on probation, he violated his probation conditions repeatedly,” Kahan said.
Court records show Scott had previously been charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. His bond in that case was initially set at $50,000 before being reduced.
“The judge lowered the bond to a measly $15,000, and he bonded out,” Kahan said.
Kahan argued the case highlights broader concerns about how repeat violations and escalating charges are handled within the criminal justice system.
“My argument, clearly, is that he shouldn’t have been on the bus to begin with,” Kahan said.
Smith remains charged with murder. Kahan said he expects additional charges against Scott and believes prosecutors may seek to apply Proposition 3, a recently implemented law that allows judges to deny bond to suspects accused of violent crimes.
The investigation remains ongoing.