The victim's parents identified him to ABC13 as Shane Hamilton. They said he was a basketball and football player at Robert E. Lee High School and had just celebrated his 16th birthday on Friday.
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"They took my baby. That's who they took," Hamilton's mom, who asked to remain anonymous, said. "He definitely wanted to go pro. That's all he talked about was sports. It was his passion. He made sure to put on a show every single time he played a game."
"Baby is supposed to be burying their mom. Mom is not supposed to be burying their baby," Hamilton's stepdad, Brian Danville, said. "To lose him like this, it's very sad. They took a huge star, (because) I know that boy was going to be a star one day. Shane was a very jovial person. He was a team player. He worked very hard. He was a good kid."
Baytown police said they were called to the Park at Sorrento Apartments in the 3400 block of Shady Hill Drive at 9:15 p.m. First responders tried performing life-saving measures on the teen, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hamilton's mother said he was at another school's game when he ran into "enemies." She believes they followed him back home and shot him as he walked from his friend's apartment, who lives in the same complex.
ABC13 crews at the scene saw at least 10 bullet holes that spanned across several apartments. Windows, doors, and walls were all struck by the gunfire.
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The parents said they heard the gunfire and then Hamilton slamming into their front door. Danville said he tried performing CPR, but it was too late.
"I saw him laying right here, bleeding through his mouth, nose, and everything," he said.
Police said no information on the suspect was available, though the parents said they believe they know who did it. Not only is the family grieving the loss of their beloved son, but they are also worried about their own safety.
"We didn't plan for this situation. Nobody plans for this. It's a situation that now, we as a family are trying to figure out. We're not in a situation where we can just leave and rent another place. We don't have anything right now. The year just started. It's rough," Danville said. "If only these young kids could just resolve violence a different way. If you have a problem, talk it out. Even if they're going to fight, put the gun aside. Don't take a life."
In a statement, Baytown Chief of Police John Stringer wrote in part:
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It is a tragedy any time a young life is cut short, especially under violent circumstances. The Baytown Police Department has been very clear that anyone who will visit violence on residents and visitors of Baytown will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice."
Goose Creek CISD issued the following statement to ABC13:
"Goose Creek CISD is saddened by the death of one of our Robert E. Lee High School students. The incident occurred off campus last night, January 10, 2023. We are actively trying to gain accurate information, and an investigation by the Baytown Police Department is ongoing. It is difficult for everyone to understand and deal with such a tragedy, so we will have grief counselors available today and in the future for our students and staff. Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time."
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Baytown Police Department at (281) 422-8371 or Baytown Crime Stoppers at 281-427-TIPS (8477).
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