Houston, Tx
‘That was my world’ | Mother of teen killed after birthday party says people should put guns down
17-year-old “Duke” Butler and three different teenagers have been shot throughout an altercation exterior an occasion venue close to Pearland.
HOUSTON — A Houston mom is sharing reminiscences of her teenage son who was shot and killed final weekend after a birthday celebration.
‘Anyone’s child didn’t make it dwelling’ | Close by companies react to lethal capturing close to Pearland
“Simply name me another time,” Desiree Stewart mentioned. “I simply need to speak to you another time.”
Stewart mentioned she and her 17-year-old son, Robert “Duke” Butler, would speak on the telephone always.
“He was child,” Stewart mentioned. “All people cherished Duke.”
She’s now explaining to his youthful siblings, like 6-year-old Melanie, why they’ll by no means converse once more.
“I needed to inform her, ‘you possibly can’t name Duke, Duke’s not right here no extra,’” Stewart mentioned.
Duke was killed early Sunday morning throughout a capturing at a enterprise advanced parking zone close to the Beltway and 288. Three different teenagers have been additionally shot.
1 teen shot and killed, 3 teenagers injured in capturing exterior birthday celebration, deputies say
Harris County Sheriff’s Workplace investigators mentioned a number of individuals fired weapons right into a crowd of 75 to 100. Most had attended a birthday celebration inside a manufacturing studio and occasion venue.
“This was his final image,” Stewart mentioned as she pointed to her telephone. “He mentioned, “mama, I’m going to place this on.”
Stewart mentioned Duke at all times obtained outfit recommendation from her. She additionally shared a photograph of Duke taken minutes earlier than photographs have been fired.
“Put the weapons down,” Stewart mentioned. “It’s too many lives. Now it’s my son … my baby.”
Stewart, who works in a hospital ICU, mentioned she obtained to Ben Taub simply as Duke arrived.
“He tried to sit down up and he fell again down,” Stewart mentioned. “He threw his leg and arm over and so they advised me he was taking his final breath.”
Stewart is being comforted by household and a few of Duke’s closest buddies. She mentioned she hopes no different younger life ends so senselessly.
HCSO mentioned one other 17-year-old sufferer was launched from the hospital and charged with an unrelated aggravated theft. Within the meantime, a 3rd 17-year-old male stays in vital situation. A 14-year-old woman was handled and launched.
Name HCSO or Crime-Stoppers if in case you have any details about the capturing.
