Teen suspect arrested in fatal Lavon shooting after 48-hour search

LAVON, Texas - Lavon police say a 14-year-old middle school student wanted in the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man over the weekend has been taken into custody in Dallas, ending a multiday search that prompted heightened security at several area schools.

The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was arrested without incident Monday evening, according to a news release from the Lavon Police Department.

Fatal shooting followed altercation at house party

What we know:

Police responded around 9 p.m. Saturday to a 911 call in the Crestridge Meadows neighborhood reporting an altercation between 24-year-old Romeo English and the juvenile suspect.

Officers arrived to find English suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Chief Mike Jones said the two were at a house party when an argument broke out.

"Initially, the altercation broke up. Moments later, the teen produced a firearm and fired multiple shots, killing the adult," Jones said.

Witnesses told investigators that English was leaving the party when the teen allegedly shot him at close range. Police now believe the two may have only recently met, possibly that same day.

The suspect fled the scene and left Lavon shortly after the shooting, prompting a widespread search.

Victim's family speaks out

What they're saying:

English’s girlfriend, LaDericka Brownfield, who is four months pregnant, said her unborn son will now grow up without a father.

"Romeo was like my best friend," she said. "I lost my child’s father and now my child has to grow up without a father."

She said English had chosen a name for their child earlier that day: Zakari Royal English.

Her mother, Kewanita Brownfield, questioned how a 14-year-old could access a firearm.

"A 14-year-old with a gun? And where did he get it? Where were the parents?" she said.

The family said they support the police investigation and are urging witnesses to come forward.

Community ISD schools closed to visitors

Big picture view:

Police confirmed the suspected shooter is a student at Community Trails Middle School in the Community Independent School District. However, the district issued a statement indicating the suspect has not attended school since Nov. 11.

Police believe the incident was a targeted attack and that there is no general threat to the public. However, visitor access has been restricted in Community ISD schools as a precaution. 

Three school campuses within Lavon city limits in southeast Collin County remained closed to visitors until the suspect was arrested: Community Trails Middle School, Dodson Elementary School, and NeSmith Elementary School. Classes are continuing with extra security measures in place at those campuses.

Parents were notified once the suspect was caught and the campuses reopened to visitors. 

Suspect arrested in Dallas after multi-agency effort

Dig deeper:

Lavon police announced Monday that the suspect was located and taken into custody in Dallas in less than 48 hours.

The apprehension involved assistance from multiple agencies, including:

• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Collin County District Attorney’s Office
• Collin County and Dallas County Sheriff’s Offices
• Louisiana State Police
• Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office
• Shreveport Police Department
• Community ISD Police Department
• Wylie Police Department
• Josephine Police Department
• Lavon Fire Department
• Wylie ETMC
• Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office

Police thanked the community and partner agencies for helping bring the suspect into custody without further violence.

Investigators are still asking anyone with home security video or information to text tips to Lavon PD at 847411.

What we don't know:

Police have not released any details about the argument that led up to the deadly shooting.

Collin CountyCrime and Public Safety