Suspect's family 'shocked and destroyed' by crime at Spring HS

SPRING, Texas -- Luis Alonso Alfaro, 17, was charged with killing a classmate Wednesday at Spring High School by stabbing him to death.

Harris County Sheriff’s deputies said the teen confessed to the crime. He said nothing as reporters tossed out questions to him while deputies walked him to a waiting car at the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

His stepfather had a lot to say from his home in Spring, even though he didn't want to be identified. First and foremost, he had a message for the victim's family.

“I'll probably go meet them and say my prayers and share my thoughts and say I’m sorry for whatever altercation happened,” said Alfaro’s stepfather.

All four victims had been stabbed. Three were treated and released from area hospitals. The stepfather did not know where the teen got the knife used in the attack. “He didn't have one at the house. We checked his room, we checked everything,” said Alfaro’s stepfather.

The family said Luis worked part-time at a fast food restaurant, went to school, came home and didn't have any issues. They were stunned. His mother was reportedly “devastated and destroyed.”

Alfaro’s stepfather was sensitive to critics who may point the finger at the parents. “It's not our fault. It's not parenting,” said Alfaro’s stepfather. “You can't monitor your kids 24-7.” 

He said Luis will likely pay the price for the crime. The stepfather did not believe the brawl was gang-related. “I don’t believe that,” said Alfaro’s stepfather.

10-year-old boy shot while sleeping in southwest Houston

HOUSTON -- A 10-year-old boy is improving after he was shot as he slept inside his southwest Houston apartment overnight Monday.

The shooting happened at the Summer Crossing apartment complex on Beechnut near Wilcrest. "It sounded like machine guns," said resident Erica Newsome. "It sounded like a series of 10 shots." It's a sound Newsome did not expect to wake up to.

"It was so loud. It sounded like it was right at my door," she said. Police say a gunman opened fire late Monday night in the middle of the southwest Houston apartment complex.

"They were standing right there when they fired off," said eyewitness Tony Lofton "That's where they found all the rounds at."

Bullets struck shutters and a staircase, and shattered windows. At least one bullet penetrated through the wall of apartment 821 and struck the 10-year-old boy who was sleeping in apartment 803. "I saw the little boy today and he's innocent," said eyewitness Mardoqueo Garcia.

Neighbors say the little boy's family called 911 and he was transported to the hospital. Houston police tell us Arzate, who was just an innocent bystander, is expected to be OK. But for now, there are no suspects and no motive for the shooting.

That's frustrating news for many residents who are now worried about their safety. Parents who heard the gunshots are panicked. "It wasn't even my children and we were terrified," said Newsome.

It was terrifying enough for Newsome to move out. "We're moving this week," she said. "This was enough." Investigators say they still don't know who the intended target was. Police had detained someone at the scene but they later determined that person was not connected to the shooting.

Anyone who may know anything is being asked to contact police.