A 17-year-old Westbury High School senior was shot and killed off campus in Houston on Friday morning, September 26, 2026, prompting a massive multi-agency manhunt that ended with the arrest of another 17-year-old suspect later that evening, according to Houston police.
Shooting Occurs Near Westbury High School Off-Campus Hangout
The fatal shooting took place shortly before 8:30 a.m. at an off-campus location near Westbury High School where students frequently gather in the morning, according to the source articles. Investigators determined that someone emerged from a nearby wooded area, words were exchanged, and the victim was shot. Campus police and a staff member rushed to the scene to administer lifesaving measures while paramedics responded, but the student succumbed to his injuries.
Family members and local officials identified the slain teenager as LePaul Warren, a senior at the school who played basketball and football.
Multi-Agency Manhunt Leads to 17-Year-Old Suspect’s Arrest
Following the shooting, law enforcement launched an hourslong search involving nearly 100 personnel from multiple agencies, stated Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz during a Friday evening press conference. Officers deployed drones and surveillance technology to track the suspect to a neighborhood near Hillcroft. He was taken into custody on the street near a residence that police had been monitoring.
Chief Diaz stated that the teenage suspect is believed to have acted alone and is not currently enrolled in the Houston school system. Authorities recovered a handgun from the suspect at the time of his arrest, though investigators were still working to determine whether it was the exact weapon used in the homicide. Police believe an initial dispute between the two teens escalated before the suspect drew a firearm, though a formal motive remains under investigation.
Campus Response and Community Impact
In response to the proximity of the incident, Houston ISD placed Westbury High School on secure mode during the morning investigation. District officials noted that the school was not placed on a full lockdown because the shooting occurred off campus, ensuring that students and staff inside the building remained safe. However, administrators canceled all after-school activities for Friday, including the scheduled homecoming dance.
Superintendent Mike Miles addressed the community in a statement: “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.” Crisis counselors were deployed to the campus on Friday and will return to support students and staff.
The tragedy marks the second fatal shooting involving a Houston-area student within a week, following a separate incident near Westfield High School that claimed the life of a 15-year-old Spring ISD student.
Related reading