BAYTOWN, TX – A 14-year-old girl was fatally shot by a classmate last week after a dispute on their school bus escalated, according to authorities. The incident, leaving a community in shock, unfolded on March 21st in Baytown, a city situated approximately 25 miles from Houston.

The victim, identified as Anaya Zachary, reportedly had a disagreement with the 13-year-old suspect while they were on their way home on the bus from Baytown Junior School. After making threats during the bus ride, the suspect allegedly returned home to change into black clothing and then confronted Anaya at their apartment complex’s playground.

According to Sonya Stanford, Anaya’s godmother, the suspect approached Anaya, called her by name, and shot her four times. “He shot my baby after she tried to run,” Stanford recounted to local media.

Janet Zachery, Anaya’s cousin, detailed the harrowing sequence of events, stating that Anaya was first shot twice in the back before the suspect fired two additional shots after she fell.

Baytown Police responded to the scene near the 4600 block of Village Lane after reports of gunfire. Responding officers discovered the girl at the playground and attempted life-saving measures before Anaya was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

A bystander at the playground was also affected by the incident. While holding her baby, she sustained a minor injury from the gunfire. Both mother and child were subsequently released from the hospital unharmed.

The young suspect was apprehended and is presently held at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center on a murder charge. Authorities in Baytown continue to investigate the circumstances that led to such a drastic outcome from a schoolyard argument.

Anaya’s father, Joseph Zachary, expressed his confusion about the underlying causes of the altercation, indicating that the specific reasons remain unclear to him.

Baytown Police Chief John Stringer emphasized the tragic nature of this incident and extended his department’s condolences to the family. He underscored the importance of peaceful conflict management and the grave repercussions that can arise from violence.

As investigations proceed, the community remains shaken by the senseless loss, with grief and calls for understanding resonating throughout Baytown.