Sarah Chilutti from the North Richland Hills Police expressed her disappointment, stating, “It appeared to be a petty dispute that tragically escalated into the most extreme outcome.”
Police in North Richland Hills, Texas, have determined that the tragic and senseless shooting of an innocent man last week was a result of a “juvenile feud.” The authorities have confirmed that they will charge all three suspects involved in the drive-by shooting with murder as adults.
North Richland Hills Police have confirmed that they have apprehended suspects aged 17, 18, and 19. In a late Monday afternoon update, the police identified two of the suspects as Martin Mauricio Marquez Diaz, 18, and Anthony Zapata, 19.
Three teenagers are facing accusations of shooting into a home on Stonybrooke Drive in North Richland Hills last Wednesday night. According to the police, the teenagers mistakenly targeted the home of 52-year-old Brian Pence due to an incorrect address. Tragically, a bullet entered Pence’s bedroom window and struck him while he was in bed. He succumbed to his injuries later that night at a hospital. The police have not disclosed the details of the dispute involving the juveniles or the intended target of the trio.
Neighbor Robin Moran expressed her concern about the recent incident on their usually quiet street, stating, “Nothing ever happens on our street.”
“I feel scared. I’m quite uneasy,” Moran expressed with deep concern.
According to authorities from the North Richland Hills police department, surveillance video in the neighborhood and the cooperation of neighbors played a crucial role in the swift apprehension of the suspects. All three suspects, who are residents of Fort Worth, were promptly arrested. We apprehended two of them on Saturday, and took custody of the third on Sunday.
“There is no direct way to explain it other than it just seemed like a juvenile feud that sadly resulted in the worst-case scenario,” said Sarah Chilutti, NRH Police Spokesperson. “All three individuals were involved in the murder of Mr. Pence.”
The victim’s family is seeking privacy during this worst-case scenario. When approached at the Pence home on Monday morning, a spokesperson declined to comment to the media.
