AMARILLO, TX – Tragedy in East Amarillo as 13-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting at Benton Park
A community is reeling in Amarillo after a shocking act of violence Tuesday evening left an 18-year-old dead and a 13-year-old behind bars. According to the Amarillo Police Department, the fatal shooting took place just before sundown on April 22 at Benton Park, located in the 1400 block of South Vernon Street in the city’s east side.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., officers responded to 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered 18-year-old Ethan DeLeon slumped inside a parked vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers on scene initiated emergency medical assistance and attempted to revive DeLeon, but despite their efforts and those of arriving paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sudden loss of DeLeon, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about youth violence, access to firearms, and the circumstances that led to the tragic encounter.
Juvenile Suspect in Custody
Following a swift and intense investigation by the Amarillo Police Department’s Homicide Unit, authorities identified the alleged shooter as a 13-year-old male. Police have not released the suspect’s name due to his age but confirmed that he was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
The teen has been booked into the Youth Center of the High Plains and formally charged with murder. Authorities have not yet released a motive, nor have they disclosed how the juvenile came to possess a firearm.
Crime Scene Investigators remained on site for several hours Tuesday night, meticulously gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and securing the area to aid in reconstructing the events that led to the shooting.
Community in Shock
The tragedy has prompted widespread grief and disbelief among Amarillo residents. Benton Park, typically known as a peaceful neighborhood space for families and youth, has now become the center of a criminal investigation and a symbol of rising concerns over youth-related gun violence.
“This is every parent’s nightmare. We lost one child to a bullet and another to the system,” one Amarillo resident said during an impromptu candlelight vigil held near the park Wednesday afternoon. “We need to come together and understand what’s driving our kids to these moments of irreversible decisions.”
Investigation Ongoing
Police have yet to determine the full context of the incident—whether the shooting was premeditated, accidental, or stemmed from a personal dispute. Authorities have also not indicated if other individuals may have been involved or witnessed the shooting.
“This is a heartbreaking situation on every level,” said Amarillo Police spokesperson Sgt. Carla Sims. “Our officers and detectives are committed to uncovering the truth about what happened and ensuring justice is served appropriately.”
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously by contacting the APD Homicide Unit at (806) 378-9468 or Amarillo Crime Stoppers at (806) 374-4400.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Ethan DeLeon while grappling with the sobering reality of a 13-year-old now facing the most serious charge in the justice system.