October 24, 2022 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a juvenile male at 6019 Velma Lane about 6:25 p.m. last Friday (October 21).

The suspect, Cesar Chavez, 22, is charged with manslaughter in the 228th State District Court. A booking photo of Chavez is attached to this news release.

The identity of the juvenile victim, 12, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant N. Miyako and Detectives S. Chettry and E. Torres reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call at the above address and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics pronounced him deceased at the scene.

The shooter, Chavez told investigators his nephew (victim) was playing with a toy gun and he wanted to play with him. Chavez grabbed his weapon, thinking it was unloaded, and fired, striking the victim once.

Investigators consulted the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Chavez was subsequently arrested and charged.