Crime
Weapons found at Lamar High School in Houston, 2 students charged
Both students are facing serious charges related to the possession of weapons on school grounds.
Two students at Lamar High School in Houston were arrested on Tuesday morning after being found in possession of weapons on campus.
School administrators received a tip that a student may be attempting to bring a gun to school.
After a brief off-campus pursuit, the student was apprehended, and a weapon was recovered.
Shortly thereafter, another student was found to be in possession of a weapon. This student was also arrested and charged with a felony.
Both students are facing serious charges related to the possession of weapons on school grounds.
Here’s is the full message that was sent to parents:
All students and staff are safe, but I do need to make our school community aware of a serious safety incident that occurred this morning. Our campus administration was made aware that a student may attempt to bring a gun to school this morning. HISD PD responded immediately and, after a brief off-campus pursuit, police were able to locate the weapon and detain the student.
Administration suspected that another student may also be in possession of a weapon. The student was searched by HISD police on campus and a weapon was confiscated. Both students will be assigned disciplinary actions aligned with the Texas Education Code and have been charged with a felony criminal offense by the District Attorney (DA).
HISD takes every threat to campus safety seriously and works closely with local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of all students and staff. As an added precautionary measure, we will have increased on-campus patrols and will be wanding all students with hand-held metal detectors during morning arrival until we are confident this has been resolved.
Students may experience a short delay at entry. All students should enter at the Transit Center or on the 2nd level from the garage. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.