Family of teen girl killed in Baytown playground wants suspected shooter's parents held accountable
BAYTOWN, Texas (KTRK) -- The family of the teen shot and killed on an apartment complex playground in Baytown say they want the suspected shooter's parents to be charged as well.
Anaya Zachary, 14, died on Friday after Baytown police say she was shot in the 4600 block of Village Lane at about 4 p.m. by a fellow Goose Creek CISD student.
The male student, who has not been identified because he is a juvenile, has been charged with murder and is in custody at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, according to police.
Police say they believe there was an altercation of some sort between Anaya and the suspected male shooter earlier in the day.
Anaya's family said they learned the incident happened on the bus. After the male student was dropped off, Janet Zachery said she was told he went home, put on a mask, and showed up to the complex where Anaya lived on Village Lane with a gun.
"She tried to turn around and run and he shot her twice in the back and then when she fell, he shot her two more times," Janet said.
The medical examiner determined her death to be a homicide, noting that she had gunshot wounds to her torso and her right arm.
ORIGINAL REPORT: 14-year-old girl shot, killed at apartment complex playground; suspect in custody, police say
Janet is the 14-year-old's cousin. She said they brought Anaya to Baytown from Opelousas, Louisiana, for a better life.
"As hurtful as it is for us, her mother, who lives in Louisiana, we had to send her child back in a body bag," Janet said.
Janet said the male student's parents should face consequences as it relates to the gun.
"That little boy didn't go purchase that gun," Janet said. "That little boy didn't go next door and get the gun. He didn't get the gun off the bus. For him to go home and get it, he knew it was there."
Baytown police said it has not been determined if the parents will be charged.
A memorial has been set up for Anaya on the playground where she was killed. Family says her body was returned to Louisiana for a funeral.
ABC13 asked Goose Creek CISD if there were any altercations reported on the bus on Friday and if there were any known issues between Anaya and the male student prior. We are awaiting a response.
The district did say that they would have emotional support on campus on Monday as the students work through the loss.
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