Stephen Verdell Jr., a 16-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 11, 2018, in Houston, Texas. He was shot and killed at a school bus stop near the intersection of Kilkenny and Cullen Boulevard in southeast Houston. Stephen, a sophomore at Victory Prep Academy, had a disagreement with a girl at his school, which escalated when they got off the bus. Witnesses reported that a man confronted Stephen on the girl's behalf, leading to a physical altercation.
The man then pulled out a gun and fired, fatally wounding Stephen. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Stephen succumbed to his injuries several days later.
The Houston Police Department launched an investigation into Stephen's death and released a sketch of the suspect based on witness descriptions. Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. The community was urged to come forward with any information, as the incident occurred in broad daylight at around 4:30 PM. Stephen's mother, Shawntae Wilson, expressed her grief and the family's need for closure. She hoped that someone would come forward to help bring the perpetrator to justice.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Stephen Verdell Jr.'s murder. The case remains open, and HPD continues to seek the community's assistance in solving this tragic crime. The family has also set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover Stephen's burial expenses and has received support from the community.
Stephen Verdell Jr.'s death is a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on young lives and the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes. His family and friends continue to seek justice and hope for answers to bring peace to their loss.
