ORLANDO, FL – A 17-year-old boy lost his life in Orlando after being shot while riding his bicycle, leaving a community shaken and searching for answers as authorities charged a 15-year-old with the crime.
Jahriel Huertas was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head on Sept. 26, lying atop his bicycle along the 4900 block of Keith Place in the early evening hours. Emergency responders rushed Huertas to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead soon after arrival.
The incident unfolded as a group of teenagers gathered in a parked van nearby. Investigators say Tommy Lagree Jr., then 15, was inside the van with at least two others, reportedly smoking marijuana. According to law enforcement, Lagree was handling a Taurus 9mm handgun when Huertas arrived on the scene.
Without warning, police allege, Lagree shot Huertas. Witnesses saw several teens flee the area immediately after the gunfire. A law enforcement helicopter soon tracked two of the individuals to a nearby residence, where deputies detained them for questioning.
Authorities were notified after residents in the neighborhood reported hearing a loud noise and witnessing the confusion as teenagers scattered. Responding deputies discovered Huertas gravely injured in the roadway and quickly began lifesaving measures.
Within hours of the shooting, Lagree arrived at the sheriff’s office with his attorney in tow. Authorities stated that his lawyer indicated Lagree wished to turn himself in for the incident. The weapon believed to have been used in the shooting was turned over to deputies at that time.
As the investigation progressed, two individuals present in the van the night of the shooting confirmed Lagree was the person who fired the gun. Law enforcement has not released further details regarding a possible motive.
The victim, Huertas, has been remembered by friends and family as a teenager with much ahead of him. His death has reverberated throughout the community, raising concerns about juvenile access to firearms and the impact of youth violence.
Lagree faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a minor. Authorities have opted to charge him as an adult. Court records show he is scheduled to appear before a judge on Dec. 1 as the case moves forward.
At this time, police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.