13-Year-Old Arrested for Murder After Fatal Shooting Of Ethan DeLeon at Benton Park
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting Tuesday evening at Benton Park, a tragedy that has stunned the Amarillo community and raised urgent concerns about youth and gun violence.
The Amarillo Police Department responded to a report of gunfire around 7:30 p.m. at Benton Park, located in the 1400 block of South Vernon Street in east Amarillo. When officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Ethan DeLeon inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but DeLeon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following a rapid investigation, detectives with APD’s Homicide Unit identified the shooter as a 13-year-old male. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Youth Center of the High Plains on a charge of murder. Due to his age, the suspect’s identity has not been released to the public.
Crime Scene Investigators remained at Benton Park for several hours Tuesday night, gathering evidence and documenting the scene. Authorities have not yet revealed the motive for the shooting, nor have they disclosed how the juvenile suspect obtained the firearm used in the deadly encounter.
The Amarillo Police Department says the investigation remains ongoing, and they are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Those with tips can contact the department’s Homicide Unit at (806) 378-9468 or reach out anonymously through Amarillo Crime Stoppers at (806) 374-4400.
This shocking incident has left many in the community heartbroken and searching for answers. The involvement of such a young suspect in a violent crime has reignited conversations about gun access, youth mental health, and community safety.
As Amarillo mourns the loss of Ethan DeLeon, local leaders and residents alike are calling for action to prevent tragedies like this from happening again. Counseling resources are being made available to students and families affected by the incident, as the city works to heal from this senseless act of violence.
