Surveillance video captures shooting that killed 16-year-old boy in north Harris Co.

Charly Edsitty Image
Monday, February 13, 2023
Video captures shooting that killed 16-year-old boy in N. Harris Co.
New video obtained by ABC13 shows the 16-year-old in his last moments, talking to someone in a gray Volkswagen Passat. Deputies said the teen tried to run to get help but collapsed and died.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 16-year-old boy was shot to death in north Harris County on Sunday, and the shooter is still on the run.

Harris County Sheriff's Office identified the teenager killed as 16-year-old Zion Lampley. New video obtained by ABC13 shows the 16-year-old in his last moments, talking to someone in a gray car.

Deputies said the teen was shot at least twice before he tried to run to get help, but collapsed and died.

The shooting happened in the middle of the afternoon -- around 3:15 p.m. -- at 22944 Imperial Valley Drive, deputies said.

Lampley was in the parking lot of a business strip center when detectives said a car stopped and there was a short interaction.

Surveillance video shows Lampley approach a gray Volkswagen Passat.

Lampley appears to lean into the window on the driver's side, interacting with the occupants. He talks for about a minute and then, the car starts to drive away.

The surveillance video shows the teen trying to hold onto the car, possibly trying to prevent it from driving off. That's the moment when the shots were fired and Zion fell backward, onto the ground.

The teen jumped to his feet and ran across the street, but collapsed again, deputies said. That's where he was found dead.

ORIGINAL REPORT: 16-year-old shot, killed outside of shopping center in N. Harris County, HCSO says

A nearby business shared the surveillance video with ABC13.

Deputies said they believe the 16-year-old lived at an apartment complex near the strip center.

Homicide detectives said they have an idea about a possible motive.

"We know that the juvenile male had been here at the location for some time and had interacted with several vehicles," Sgt. Jason Brown said. "It's possible this may be drug related. But again, we are not sure at this time."

Investigators didn't have any information on the suspect(s) -- aside from the gray Volkswagen.

Deputies said they don't know how many people were inside the car, but they think there were at least two.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers of Houston.

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