The teen is accused of shooting 14-year-old Anaya Zachary at a playground near her home on March 21
A 14-year-old girl was fatally shot and killed by a classmate following an argument on a school bus, according to multiple reports.
Anaya Zachary was shot four times by a 13-year-old boy from her school at a playground near her apartment complex in Baytown, Texas, around 4 p.m. on Friday, March 21, local outlets ABC 13 and Fox 26 reported.
Police told Fox 26 that Anaya was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. A representative from the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District confirmed that the shooting occurred after school near Anaya’s residence, according to ABC 13.
The Baytown Police Department and the Goose Creek CISD did not immediately respond to requests for further details as of Saturday, March 22.
‘He Shot My Baby Four Times’
Sonya Stanford, who identified herself as Anaya’s godmother, told KPRC 2 that the shooting happened after Anaya and her classmate—whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age—had a dispute on the bus ride home.
She claimed the boy later showed up at the playground where Anaya was, wearing a “black mask.”
“Her and the little boy got into it on the bus, and he got off the bus, went home, came back, went home again. Anaya came in and asked me, ‘Tia, can I go outside?’ ” Stanford recalled.
She continued: “He went home, put on all black, put on a black mask, came back, called my baby’s name, and shot my baby four times.”
Stanford described Anaya as a kind and respectful child, saying, “She was a sweet kid, an honor roll student. Never had any problems. ‘Yes ma’am, no ma’am. Thank you, no thank you.’ This was a sweet baby.”
‘I Forgive Him, But Why Did He Have a Gun?’
Stanford told KPRC 2 that while she forgives the boy who shot her goddaughter, she questions why he had access to a firearm at home. She believes the boy’s parents bear some responsibility for the tragedy.
“You should have secured your weapon so your 13-year-old son couldn’t get it and shoot my child. I am very hurt, I am very disappointed,” she said.
Stanford also revealed that Anaya had been living with her at the apartment complex for the past year.
Authorities have not yet confirmed what charges the teen may face or if his parents could be held accountable. However, they stated that he is currently in police custody, per ABC 13.
