HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Dozens of young people and family members gathered at a memorial outside Westfield High School to mourn 15-year-old Royce Witchet, who was fatally shot Tuesday near campus.
Chants of “Justice for Roy!” and “Forever 15!” rang out at the vigil, reflecting the overwhelming emotion felt by those who knew Witchet before they released balloons at the time Witchet was pronounced dead.
“It was just another one today. We’re doing this too many times young people,” Witchet’s cousin said at the memorial.
The shooting happened within minutes of school letting out Tuesday afternoon on a sidewalk near campus. Witchet was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
“How do you stay calm? When something so precious has been taken from us, ripped away,” the cousin said.
Witchet’s family members said an increased police presence could have prevented the tragedy and called for stronger protections for children.
Deputies arrested the accused killer about 24 hours after the shooting — a fellow Spring ISD student, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, who is just 14 years old.
At the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center Friday, family members of the accused kept their faces hidden from cameras, only sending condolences to Witchet’s family and claiming the truth will come out.
“This is the result. Family members are hurting. And another life lost behind bars,” Witchet’s cousin said.
Investigators have not revealed a motive. Witchet’s family hopes that the shooting will serve as motivation for change.
“Parents pay attention to your children. Community pay attention to your children, it’s okay to be nosy, they’re your children,” a family member said.
The suspect has not been publicly identified, but a judge ordered he remain in custody. There’s no bond in the juvenile system, so generally, a detention hearing is held every 10 working days to re-evaluate if a suspect remains in custody.
Spring ISD said counselors and an increased law enforcement presence will continue on campus next week.
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