A shooting incident early this morning left one young man dead and two others injured. According to Lt. John Bennett, spokesperson for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on FM 1010 near CR 341, south of Cleveland.
Two 17-year-old males were picked up by two friends, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old male. Shortly after, another vehicle pulled up behind them and began firing. One of the 17-year-olds in the back seat was fatally struck, while the other was shot twice. The 18-year-old in the front seat sustained a graze wound to the head, and the 19-year-old driver was uninjured.
Bennett said the suspect fired at least six shots from a weapon during the brief but deadly encounter. Investigators recovered shell casings at the scene, which they believe are connected to the attack. While they are pursuing leads, investigators have not yet disclosed specific information regarding the suspect or the vehicle involved.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office believes this was a targeted attack, not a random act of violence or road rage.
“We are taking this case very seriously,” Bennett said.
When asked if the shooting was gang-related, Bennett said investigators are exploring all possibilities but have no evidence to suggest gang involvement at this time.
The victims drove themselves to the Kingwood Elite Hospital on I-69 in Kingwood where the one was pronounced deceased. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was notified and in turn, notified Liberty County authorities of the incident. Two of the victims are from the Cleveland area, and the other two are from the Colony Ridge communities south of Plum Grove. All the victims are Hispanic males.
 
