Teen Fatally Shot Inside Fort Worth Apartment Identified as 16-Year-Old Kearon Deon Taylor; Investigation Ongoing
FORT WORTH, Texas (May 22, 2025) — A 16-year-old boy was tragically shot and killed inside a Fort Worth apartment Wednesday evening in what police suspect may have stemmed from a gambling-related altercation, authorities confirmed.
Fort Worth Police Department officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of Great Basin Lane just after 8:00 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found a teenage male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his torso inside one of the apartment units.
Medics attempted to render aid, but the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Thursday, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Kearon Deon Taylor, a 16-year-old resident of Fort Worth. An autopsy confirmed that Taylor died from multiple gunshot wounds, and his death has been officially ruled a homicide.
Altercation May Have Stemmed from Gambling Dispute
According to investigators with the Fort Worth Police Department’s Homicide Unit, early evidence suggests that Taylor may have been involved in a gambling activity just outside the apartment complex shortly before the shooting occurred. It was during this interaction that a confrontation reportedly broke out between Taylor and an unidentified suspect.
Authorities believe that during the dispute, the suspect opened fire, striking Taylor multiple times. The teen reportedly ran toward an apartment unit in a desperate attempt to escape, where he ultimately collapsed.
The shooter fled the scene on foot immediately after the incident and remains at large. As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made, and no suspect description has been released.
Family, Community in Shock
News of the killing has shaken the Fort Worth community and left Taylor’s family reeling. Neighbors described the teen as a young man who enjoyed playing basketball and hanging out with friends, though some expressed concern over recent incidents of gun violence among local youth.
“He was still a kid. Sixteen is too young to die,” said one neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous. “This kind of violence is becoming all too common, and something has to change.”
Friends and family have begun gathering near the scene to lay flowers and light candles in Taylor’s memory. Local community leaders are also calling for increased efforts to curb youth violence and provide more resources for at-risk teens.
Police Seek Public’s Help
Detectives are continuing their investigation and are urging anyone who may have seen the events unfold or has information about the suspect’s identity to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who may have witnessed the gambling incident or captured footage on cell phones or security cameras.
“Someone out there knows what happened,” said a Fort Worth Police spokesperson. “We’re asking for the public’s assistance in helping us bring justice to Kearon and closure to his family.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330, or they may submit tips anonymously to Tarrant County Crime Stoppers by calling 817-469-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.469tips.com.
As the investigation unfolds, police are expected to continue canvassing the area and interviewing potential witnesses in hopes of quickly identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for taking a young life far too soon.
Community Vigil Planned
A candlelight vigil is being planned by family and friends for this coming weekend at a nearby park to honor Taylor’s life. Organizers say the event will be open to the public and encourage youth to attend in solidarity against violence.
“We want to remember Kearon for the light he brought, not the way his life was taken,” a family member said. “We need our community to come together, not just in grief, but in purpose.”
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.