Introduction to a Tragic Event
A tragic incident occurred in Baytown last month, where a 14-year-old girl, Anaya Zachary, lost her life to a gunshot wound. The alleged shooter was also a teenager, a 14-year-old boy who had a verbal altercation with the victim while riding the school bus home from Baytown Junior High School.
The Incident Unfolds
According to Harris County court documents, the boy had threatened to kill Anaya during the altercation. After being dropped off at his home, he retrieved a revolver from his parents’ bedroom. The firearm was found in a blue travel bag next to the bed, which the boy had discovered three weeks prior while searching for hair trimmers. The boy then took the revolver to the Village Apartments, where he allegedly shot and killed Anaya.
Charges Against the Teenager
The teenage boy was charged with murder in connection to Anaya’s shooting death. The investigation revealed that the firearm was left readily accessible to the teen, as the blue bag was closed with a zipper but did not have a locking mechanism to secure it.
Charges Against the Parents
The parents of the teenage boy, Kenneth Coney and Cassie Coney, have been charged for failing to secure the firearm used in the shooting. Police attempted to speak with the parents on March 22, but they refused to provide a statement. A Child Protective Services case worker also reported that the parents refused to provide a statement to CPS in an effort to avoid incriminating themselves.
Reaction from the Community
Sonya Roberts Standford, Anaya’s godmother, expressed her grief and frustration, stating that the incident could have been avoided if the boy’s parents had secured the revolver. She also revealed that Anaya was shot four times, making the incident even more devastating.
Conclusion
This tragic event highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for parents to ensure that firearms are securely stored, out of reach of children. The charges against the parents serve as a reminder that failing to secure a firearm can have severe consequences. The community must come together to prevent such incidents and promote gun safety awareness, especially among teenagers. By learning from this tragic event, we can work towards creating a safer environment for everyone.
