BURLESON, Texas — A late-night drug deal at Bailey Lake turned tragic on December 7, when a 17-year-old boy was shot dead and another teen wounded during what authorities say was a narcotics transaction.
At around 11:33 p.m., officers from Burleson Police Department answered multiple reports of gunfire in the parking lot of the lake. Arriving on scene, they found one 17-year-old unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a car — he had sustained multiple apparent gunshot wounds.
Paramedics and firefighters provided emergency medical attention, and the wounded teenager was rushed to a nearby hospital. But he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Officers also discovered a second 17-year-old male nearby, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. He was transported to another area hospital, where he is reported to be stable and expected to survive.
According to investigators — and based on statements from the surviving teen — the shooting erupted amid a narcotics deal involving three suspects. After canvassing evidence and interviewing the injured teen, police quickly identified two of the three.
One suspect — a 17-year-old male — was found sitting in a vehicle parked at his home in Burleson. He was taken into custody without incident. During questioning, he admitted involvement in the shooting.
The suspect is now charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery, and is being held at the Johnson County Law Enforcement Center.
Two other suspects — one identified, the other still unnamed — remain on the run, and police have withheld their names pending verification and possible arrest.
Detectives say they believe this was an isolated incident tied specifically to the criminal activity of those involved; there’s currently no indication of an ongoing danger to the wider community.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Burleson Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 817-426-9903. Emergency tips should go to 911.
