A tragic shooting Tuesday evening has left an 18-year-old man dead and a 13-year-old in custody, prompting a community to grapple with grief and questions about youth violence.
At approximately 7:31 p.m., officers with the Amarillo Police Department were dispatched to Benton Park, located at 1401 S. Vernon, after reports of a shooting. When officers arrived on scene, they found an 18-year-old male, later identified as Ethan DeLeon, inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began administering first aid until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, DeLeon was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the APD, DeLeon was shot while still inside his vehicle, which remained at the park when officers arrived. The Amarillo Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene to take over the investigation.
In a shocking development, detectives identified the suspect as a 13-year-old male. The juvenile was arrested and booked into the Youth Center of the High Plains on a charge of murder. Due to his age, the suspect’s identity has not been released.
Police have not yet released information about what led up to the shooting, whether the two individuals knew each other, or how the juvenile came to possess a firearm. The incident remains under active investigation.
Neighbors and parkgoers expressed concern and disbelief at the presence of such violence, especially involving someone so young. Benton Park, typically known as a peaceful place for families and children, was cordoned off by police well into the evening as crime scene investigators collected evidence.
Community leaders and local officials are calling for a renewed focus on youth outreach and gun safety in response to the tragedy.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Amarillo Police Department or Amarillo Crime Stoppers anonymously at (806) 374-4400.
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