The Houston Police Department said officers responded to an apartment complex on the 8000 block of Grow Lane at about 8 p.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing and disturbance involving about 20 to 30 people.
Officers said the girl was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. They added that a 10-year-old boy was detained at the scene and released pending further investigation.
"(The 10-year-old) said he had stabbed the 13-year-old, claimed self-defense during the fight," HPD Lt. Larry Crowson said.
The lieutenant said the incident allegedly stemmed from a school fight earlier in the day at a Cy-Fair ISD school.
CFISD released the following statement regarding the stabbing but did not answer questions about the altercation:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The faculty and staff of Dean Middle School are deeply saddened to share the death of one of our students. The student will be greatly missed by family, friends and teachers. This is a very sad time for the Dean Middle School family.
As adults, we are aware of the substantial emotional impact that follows the death of a loved one or friend. Children experiencing the death of a loved one or friend for the first time might be frightened or overwhelmed by the event. They will most likely be looking to you for emotional strength and guidance.
In an effort to assist you in helping your child during this difficult period, we have attached a list of helpful information. The range of emotions for your child may vary based on his/her knowledge of this student or a previous experience with the loss of a loved one. We encourage you to listen to your child and be prepared to answer his/her questions simply and honestly.
Counselors and other support staff were available at the campus today and will continue to be available to students, teachers, and parents. If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Dean Middle School counseling team at 713-460-6157. I know you will join us in keeping this family in your thoughts.
"Who all is involved and why -- we don't know at this point. We're trying to sort all that out," Crowson added.
Criminal defense attorney Joe Vinas, who is not connected to the case, said when it comes to a stabbing, it's possible self-defense could be proved.
"The way that Texas law is that you actually don't even have to be right, you don't have to be correct to assert a self-defense, as long as a reasonable person in the actor's position could be in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or death, they could then use deadly force to defend themselves," Vinas said.
Vinas said while it would still need to be proved in the court of law, self-defense cases can be complicated.
"If she was close enough to get stabbed, I think that's some solid evidence for a self-defense case because if she's in arm's length, it's understandable - without knowing too much of the facts - why he might think she was involved," Vinas said.
Vinas added that the 10-year-old boy is old enough to face criminal charges under Texas law.
"The minimum age to prosecute somebody as a juvenile under the family code is 10 years old, so from 10 to 16 you fall under the juvenile jurisdiction," Vinas said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.