Houston ISD Westbury High School student killed in shooting near campus

HOUSTON – A 17-year-old student was killed in a shooting near Houston ISD’s Westbury High School on Friday morning, police say.

A search is still underway for the shooter.

Student killed in shooting near school

What we know:

The shooting was reported shortly before 8:30 a.m. at an off-campus spot on Dryad Street where students sometimes hangout in the morning.

Police say someone reportedly came out of a wooded area nearby, words were exchanged and then the shooting occurred.

Campus police and a staff member went to the scene after the shooting and attempted lifesaving measures while paramedics responded. Tragically, the teen did not survive.

Family identifies teen

Family identified the teen who was killed in the shooting as 17-year-old LePaul Warren.

Warren was a senior at the high school. He played basketball and football.

“He’s a good kid, and you can’t say nothing bad about him. He’s just a good kid. He’s going to be loved everywhere, and he’s going to be missed by everybody,” his uncle, Darwin Prater, said.

His uncle says Warren was good at every sport and was the life of the party.

Search for shooter

What we don’t know:

Police are still searching for the shooter. A description of that person has not been released.

Officers are canvasing the area for video and speaking with witnesses.

‘We are heartbroken’

Local perspective:

Houston ISD says Westbury High School was placed on secure mode during the nearby investigation. Officials say the school was not placed on lockdown because the incident did not occur on campus. 

Officials say students and staff on campus remained safe.

After-school activities have been canceled at the school on Friday, including the homecoming dance.

Crisis counselors were on campus Friday and will return on Monday.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a Westbury High School student. My thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire Westbury community during this incredibly difficult time,” said Superintendent Mike Miles. “HISD is providing counseling and additional support for students and staff at Westbury, and we will continue to support the school community in the days ahead. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers and campus staff who responded this morning and worked to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.”

2nd Houston-area student killed this week

This shooting comes just days after a 15-year-old Spring ISD student was killed in a shooting near Westfield High School, located north of Houston.

A 14-year-old suspect was arrested in that shooting and charged with murder.

Dig deeper:

14-year-old suspect charged with murder following shooting near Westfield High School