A 14-year-old middle school student has been arrested in Dallas in connection with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Romeo English over the weekend, Lavon police confirmed Monday, reported FOX4 News.
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody without incident, ending a multi-day search that prompted heightened security at several local schools.
Police said the shooting occurred around 9 p.m. Saturday in the Crestridge Meadows neighborhood after an altercation at a house party. Officers found English with multiple gunshot wounds, and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
“Initially, the altercation broke up. Moments later, the teen produced a firearm and fired multiple shots, killing the adult,” Lavon Police Chief Mike Jones said. Witnesses told investigators that English was leaving the party when he was shot at close range.
Authorities believe the two may have only recently met, possibly the same day.
English’s family expressed heartbreak over the loss. His girlfriend, LaDericka Brownfield, who is four months pregnant, said their unborn son will grow up without a father. “Romeo was like my best friend. I lost my child’s father and now my child has to grow up without a father,” she said.
His mother, Kewanita Brownfield, questioned how a 14-year-old obtained a firearm. “A 14-year-old with a gun? And where did he get it? Where were the parents?” she said. The family supports the police investigation and urged witnesses to come forward.
Authorities confirmed the suspect attends Community Trails Middle School in the Community Independent School District but has not been in class since Nov. 11. Police said the shooting was targeted and posed no general threat to the public.
The multi-agency effort to locate the teen included the Texas Department of Public Safety, Collin and Dallas County sheriff’s offices, Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police, and other local agencies. Police thanked the community and partner agencies for helping bring the suspect into custody without further violence.
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