Man wanted in 16-year-old Elsik HS teen's murder arrested

Monday, November 16, 2020
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston police have arrested a 24-year-old man who was wanted after a 16-year-old girl was shot to death over what investigators called a "social media beef."

Kenny Charles Garrett was taken into custody without incident on Nov. 9. He was charged with murder, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct.

The video above is from Oct. 27, 2020, when family members spoke out about their teen loved one's killing.

HPD identified Garrett as the suspect in the Oct. 26 shooting on Sharpview Drive in southwest Houston. Mareja Pratt died, while two others - a 20-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man - were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

SEE ALSO: Family of teen killed over 'social media beef' asks suspect to turn himself in

According to court documents filed by an HPD officer, surveillance video from the neighborhood where the incident occurred showed Garrett exiting a red Chrysler 200, discharging his weapon and then leaving with others in the same car.

Police said Mareja was shot in what her sisters called a family feud that escalated.

READ MORE: Elsik HS student targeted on Instagram before she was killed, family says

The sisters said their family member initiated a meeting to confront the feud. They told ABC13 they did expect to fight but did not expect the gunfire.

Before his arrest, Garrett's bond was already set at $250,000, according to court documents.
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.