Cops in Texas have arrested a man with tattoos on his face and a teenager over a drive-by shooting that claimed the lives of a schoolboy and his five-year-old cousin.
The two suspects allegedly pulled up in a car outside a home on Steel Dust Drive in Fort Worth, USA, at around 2.15pm on 28th August and opened fire.
Witnesses said they heard at least 15 gunshots. Numerous cartridge casings were later found on the road and bullet holes were seen in the front door and garage.
Seventeen-year-old Jamarrien Monroe – who had just enrolled in a new school in Haltom City – and his young cousin Rayshard Scott were killed in the shooting.
The shooting also injured Jamarrien’s 18-month-old son, but he is expected to survive, said local media. He was not living at the residence but often visited.
Fort Worth Police arrested suspects Anthony Ray Bell-Johnson, 21, and a 16-year-old, whose identity they withheld, the following weekend.
Bell-Johnson was charged with capital murder, unlicensed carrying of a weapon, and engaging in organised criminal activity.
He was remanded in custody at Tarrant County Jail on a combined bond of USD 763,500 (GBP 663,500).
A mugshot shows his face adorned with inkings, including one reading ‘.62’ on his forehead, possibly in reference to a .62 caliber rifle.
Forth Worth Police did not reveal how they connected the two suspects to the killings, nor what the possible motive was.
But Jamarrien’s mother, Tijuana West, told local media in response to accusations online: “My son is not in a gang or a drug dealer.”
Tijuana was at home at the time of the shooting and told local media she had rushed downstairs when she heard what sounded like fireworks.
She said: “It happened so fast. I was just trying to figure out where my babies were.”
A fundraiser (www.gofundme.com/f/t7w7np-memorial-arrangement) organised by Kisha Jackson had raised USD 2,865 of its USD-30,000 goal at the time of writing.
Kisha wrote: “Hi, my name is Takisha, and I am organizing this fundraiser for both of my sisters who lost their children in a senseless drive-by shooting on Sunday, August 28, 2022, in Fort Worth, TX.
“We are saddened and deeply grieved that my nephews Jamarrien (17) and Rayshard (5) lives were taken abruptly from the people that love them best.
“Yet, we are grateful that Jamarrien’s baby boy Jhacari (18 months) survived his injuries.
“We ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, and we appreciate your support during this difficult time to assist with moving and other expenses. Thanks and we are very appreciative of your help. Be blessed!”
