Houston Birthday Party Ends in Death for 2 Teens

A birthday party being held in a Houston suburb to celebrate a teenage girl's 18^th year ended in two party-goers being killed by gunshot. The two dead are an 18 year-old boy and a 16 year-old girl who were students at Cypress Springs High School. All in all, 20 people were injured with 16 injuries caused by gunshots. Two of the injured were categorized as being in critical condition. Most of the approximately 100 partygoers were teenagers between the ages of 17 and 19. The shooters apparently should not have been there but may have gained entry through a back gate. Police are seeking the two gunmen, believed to be a 17 year-old and a 22 year-old who opened fire both inside and outside the house, sending everyone at the party into a panic as they fled.

The party was advertised on social media, for which the organizers were criticized by the Harris County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff stated that such advertising allows anyone to show up at your door that you don't know and can't control. A bouncer was used at the door of the home where the party took place to check for weapons. The two men who may have been the shooters refused to be patted down but most likely jumped a neighbor's fence. A witness also said that a car moved slowly down the street after the shooting from which the partygoers ducked and hid implying that the shooters were in the car as they drove away.

Criminal Defense Firm in Houston, Texas

Assault with a deadly weapon, as in the case above, is a very serious criminal charge in Texas. When using or exhibiting a deadly weapon, such as a gun or anything that can cause serious bodily injury or death, it becomes aggravated assault. Serious bodily injury means risking or causing death or permanent disfigurement or the impairment of a bodily function or organ. Generally, aggravated assault is charged as a second degree felony but, in some cases, it is charged as a first-degree felony if committed against a family member, police officer, security officer, against a witness, or in a drive-by shooting.

The penalties for aggravated assault are severe, including incarceration, fines, and probation. Getting experienced legal representation is crucial when facing this charge or any other criminal charge. In the Houston area, you can get the skilled legal help you need from The Martinez Law Firm which practices criminal defense. Lead attorney Martinez has 15 years of experience in defending clients in the local courts. Because of his outstanding legal service, he has earned an impeccable 10 out of 10 "Superb" rating by Avvo. He has also been nominated as a Top Houston DWI Attorney for several consecutive years by H-Texas Magazine. Find out what other clients have to say about him and his firm and how he can help you in any criminal case. Contact his law offices for a free, initial consultation.