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IRVING, Texas - Police have identified a teenage murder victim whose body was found across from Irving High School over the weekend.
Investigators say a passerby found 16-year-old Felipe Escalante unconscious at Lively Park early Saturday morning. Responding officers discovered he had been shot several times. Police now have a suspect under arrest and a motive.
Irving police say it was help from the community that led them to a 15-year-old murder suspect. Detectives say the two teens knew one another and that robbery was the motive behind the deadly shooting.
Some 72 hours after Felipe was found shot to death in Lively Park just after 1 a.m. Saturday morning, Irving police say a tip from the public led them to his accused killer.
“There was someone who helped us identify that suspect,” said Irving Police Officer Robert Reeves. “And, in turn, get that suspect in custody as well.”
Police say someone cutting through the city park that’s frequented by walkers and joggers found Felipe lying near the skate park.
Detectives say the investigation leads them to believe robbery was the motive for the murder, but they won’t say why or what was taken. They also say Felipe and the accused gunmen knew one another.
No other details are being released at this time, including how the two came to be at the park together or what may have been stolen during the course of the armed robbery.
Jenifer Bartlett and her husband walk their dog through the park daily. They're relieved a suspect is in custody, but they’re heartbroken for Felipe's family.
“There's a lot of youth activity in this area and it's very disheartening and sad, especially being this close to home,” she said.
Because the suspect is a minor, Irving police will not be releasing his identity. Detectives are still asking anyone who may have seen something the morning of the murder to please contact them.