Topline: The suspect is currently in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been charged with murder.
Published: April 1, 2025 7:30 am ET
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Anaya Zachary (family handout)
BAYTOWN, TX — Authorities say a 13-year-old boy threatened a female classmate before gunning her down later in the day.
USA Today reported a 13-year-old Texas boy was arrested after he shot and killed 14-year-old Anaya Zachary at a playground in Baytown, Texas, on March 21.
The Baytown Police Department said the incident occurred on Friday, March 21, 2025 at approximately 4:00 p.m., when officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 4600 block of Village Lane after receiving reports of a shooting.
Responding officers found a female—later identified as 14-year-old Anaya Zachary—near the playground with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began life-saving measures until medics arrived, and she was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.
A female bystander, who had been holding her baby, suffered an injury from the fired rounds. Both the female bystander and her baby were taken to the hospital for evaluation and were later cleared of any injuries.
Police said an investigation indicated Zachary and the boy, whose identity has not been released, were both Goose Creek CISD students and were involved in verbal argument on a school bus.
Later, the male suspect approached Zachary at the apartment complex playground and opened fire.
A family member of the victim told ABC affiliate KTRK that Anaya tried to turn around and run, but the boy shot her twice in the back and then when she fell, he shot her two more times.
In an interview with KHOU-TV, Zachary’s godmother alleged the teen boy had threatened Zachary, saying, “I was told that he told Naya: ‘When I get off the bus, I’m going to kill you today,’” according to reporting by USA Today. The exerpt in KHOU-TV’s article has since been edited out.
The suspect is currently in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been charged with murder.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Family Alleges 13-Year-Old Boy Said ‘I’m Going to Kill You Today’ Hours Before Shooting Teen Girl on Playground
The suspect is currently in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been charged with murder.
By Jacob Charles
Published: April 1, 2025 7:30 am ET
Anaya Zachary (family handout)
BAYTOWN, TX — Authorities say a 13-year-old boy threatened a female classmate before gunning her down later in the day.
USA Today reported a 13-year-old Texas boy was arrested after he shot and killed 14-year-old Anaya Zachary at a playground in Baytown, Texas, on March 21.
The Baytown Police Department said the incident occurred on Friday, March 21, 2025 at approximately 4:00 p.m., when officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 4600 block of Village Lane after receiving reports of a shooting.
Responding officers found a female—later identified as 14-year-old Anaya Zachary—near the playground with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began life-saving measures until medics arrived, and she was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.
A female bystander, who had been holding her baby, suffered an injury from the fired rounds. Both the female bystander and her baby were taken to the hospital for evaluation and were later cleared of any injuries.
Police said an investigation indicated Zachary and the boy, whose identity has not been released, were both Goose Creek CISD students and were involved in verbal argument on a school bus.
Later, the male suspect approached Zachary at the apartment complex playground and opened fire.
A family member of the victim told ABC affiliate KTRK that Anaya tried to turn around and run, but the boy shot her twice in the back and then when she fell, he shot her two more times.
In an interview with KHOU-TV, Zachary’s godmother alleged the teen boy had threatened Zachary, saying, “I was told that he told Naya: ‘When I get off the bus, I’m going to kill you today,’” according to reporting by USA Today. The exerpt in KHOU-TV’s article has since been edited out.
The suspect is currently in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been charged with murder.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Family Alleges 13-Year-Old Boy Said ‘I’m Going to Kill You Today’ Hours Before Shooting Teen Girl on Playground
The suspect is currently in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been charged with murder.
By Jacob Charles
Published: April 1, 2025 7:30 am ET
Anaya Zachary (family handout)
BAYTOWN, TX — Authorities say a 13-year-old boy threatened a female classmate before gunning her down later in the day.
USA Today reported a 13-year-old Texas boy was arrested after he shot and killed 14-year-old Anaya Zachary at a playground in Baytown, Texas, on March 21.
The Baytown Police Department said the incident occurred on Friday, March 21, 2025 at approximately 4:00 p.m., when officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 4600 block of Village Lane after receiving reports of a shooting.
Responding officers found a female—later identified as 14-year-old Anaya Zachary—near the playground with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began life-saving measures until medics arrived, and she was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.
A female bystander, who had been holding her baby, suffered an injury from the fired rounds. Both the female bystander and her baby were taken to the hospital for evaluation and were later cleared of any injuries.
Police said an investigation indicated Zachary and the boy, whose identity has not been released, were both Goose Creek CISD students and were involved in verbal argument on a school bus.
Later, the male suspect approached Zachary at the apartment complex playground and opened fire.
A family member of the victim told ABC affiliate KTRK that Anaya tried to turn around and run, but the boy shot her twice in the back and then when she fell, he shot her two more times.
In an interview with KHOU-TV, Zachary’s godmother alleged the teen boy had threatened Zachary, saying, “I was told that he told Naya: ‘When I get off the bus, I’m going to kill you today,’” according to reporting by USA Today. The exerpt in KHOU-TV’s article has since been edited out.
The suspect is currently in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been charged with murder.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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