On November 25, 2023, 17-year-old Hannah Layton was found deceased from a gunshot wound inside a residence on Crestwood Drive in Richmond, Texas. Authorities reported that she was alone in the house with a 16-year-old male at the time of the incident. The male, who identified himself as a friend of Hannah's, remained at the scene and contacted emergency services following the shooting.
The 16-year-old was subsequently arrested and charged with Hannah's murder.
Due to his status as a minor, his identity has not been publicly disclosed. He is currently detained at the Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center. Investigators have not yet released information regarding the motive behind the shooting, and the case remains under active investigation.
Hannah's mother, Patricia Layton, expressed profound grief over the loss of her only daughter. She revealed that Hannah was shot in the back of the head, resulting in instantaneous death. Patricia mentioned that she was not acquainted with the 16-year-old suspect and had concerns about some of Hannah's acquaintances, describing them as leading a "wild" lifestyle. She is seeking justice for her daughter and has appealed to the public for any information that could aid the investigation.
In the wake of this tragedy, Patricia has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses. Additionally, a benefit event was organized on December 2, 2023, in Rosenberg, Texas, featuring food, a bake sale, and raffles, with all proceeds dedicated to covering the costs associated with Hannah's funeral.
Hannah's passing has deeply affected the Richmond community, prompting discussions about youth violence and the importance of awareness regarding the company that teenagers keep. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with pertinent information to contact the Richmond Police Department to aid in bringing clarity and justice to this tragic incident.