BAYTOWN, TX – In the quiet surroundings of the Village Apartments playground, a teddy bear adorned with sparkles now serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of a tragedy that claimed the life of 14-year-old Anaya Zachary. The teen was fatally shot by a schoolmate on Friday afternoon, leaving a community in mourning and raising questions about youth violence.
According to witnesses and family members, Anaya had just stepped off her school bus and was at the apartment complex’s playground when the unthinkable occurred. The suspect, a fellow student at Goose Creek ISD’s Baytown Junior School, reportedly returned to the scene following an earlier altercation.
Sonya Stanford, Anaya’s godmother, recounted the chilling details, stating that the boy, dressed in black and wearing a mask, called out Anaya’s name before firing four shots. “I heard the shots, and then my mother-in-law called me, hysterical,” Stanford said. “I ran out to find my baby lifeless.”
The Baytown police responded promptly to the scene, and Anaya was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The young suspect was taken into custody, though authorities have not disclosed the specific charges he may face due to his juvenile status.
Stanford expressed an unexpected sentiment of forgiveness towards the alleged shooter. “I’m not angry with you. I want you to know that I forgive you,” she said, though she directed her frustration towards the adults in the boy’s life, questioning how he accessed a gun.
As the investigation continues, the Baytown community grapples with the impact of this tragic event. The police have yet to announce any charges against the boy’s parents, and Goose Creek ISD has not commented on the incident or indicated if grief counselors will be available to students when classes resume.
The shooting has left many in shock, questioning the circumstances that led to such a violent confrontation between two young students. Anaya’s family and friends gathered at the site, leaving flowers and tokens of remembrance for a life cut short.
This incident has reignited discussions on youth access to firearms and the responsibilities of adults to secure weapons away from children. While the community seeks answers, they also face the difficult task of healing and preventing future tragedies.