16-year-old dead, 17-year-old injured after shooting at Fort Worth Whataburger
FORT WORTH, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – A 16-year-old boy is dead and a 17-year-old girl is in critical condition after a shooting at the Whataburger located on the corner of West Berry Street and McCart Avenue in Fort Worth.
The shooting happened after 4 p.m. Friday. Police believe the shooter, who is still at-large, knew the victims from school. It is unknown what school they are enrolled at.
The location of the shooting is near Paschal High School – which Fort Worth ISD said occurred after the school's dismissal. However, the school was immediately placed on lockdown for remaining students and staff.
After dismissal, at around 4:00 p.m. today, a shooting took place at Whataburger near Paschal High School. Two Fort Worth ISD students were victims of the shooting; and tragically, a male student did not survive his injuries.
— Fort Worth Independent School District (@FortWorthISD) January 21, 2023
The victims were taken to a local hospital, where the boy died and the girl remains in critical condition.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said the incident started as a verbal altercation, which turned into a physical altercation then tragically turned into a shooting.
"This is another example of senseless tragic violence that never had to happen," Noakes said. "And unfortunately, it involves some very young people right here in the city of Fort Worth. We're going to do everything we can to make sure we bring those responsible to justice."
Noakes said he believes there is just one suspect, but police are working to confirm the total number of those involved.
"The shooter needs to know the justice will be served," Noakes said. "We will do our jobs in cooperation with the community to make sure they are brought to justice. And what I say to the shooter is turn yourself in. You made a bad mistake. Turn yourself in and don't make this any worse."
He continued to ask parents to get involved with their children's lives, to find out if there are issues and avoid conflict.
"If your child has a weapon, reach out to us to help, reach out to someone to actually talk to that child," he said. "Take the gun away, families have to be involved. Communities have to be involved. We have to be involved, to really stop this crime is going to take all of us."
If anyone has information regarding the incident, call the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330.