NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for 17-year-old Hector Cuarenta of Nacogdoches in connection with a tragic shooting on Hackberry Street Friday morning that claimed the lives of three young people.
Two of the victims have been identified as Dequavious LeCharles Brooks, 17, and Edward Alejandro Rivera, 18, both from Nacogdoches. The third victim has not yet been publicly identified.
Cuarenta is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the triple homicide. Police are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 936-560-4636.
The Nacogdoches Police Department responded to the scene at 10:22 a.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. Officers found two victims shot and seated inside a black vehicle, and a third victim lying in the street. One person died at the scene, while the other two were transported to a local hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Assistant Chief of Patrol Dan Taravella emphasized that the shooting appears to be a targeted, isolated incident and that the community is not in danger. Authorities are seeking help from the public, requesting witness accounts and home security footage from the area to aid the ongoing investigation.
As a precaution, Fredonia Elementary School was placed in a secure status during the incident, though officials confirmed there was no threat to students or staff. A controlled dismissal was carried out later in the day.
The Nacogdoches Police Department continues to investigate and is asking anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for the victims of this tragic event.
The community mourns the loss of these young lives and stands with the families affected by this tragedy.