Community Mourns High School Student Following Fatal Incident on New Year’s Day
TEXAS — Authorities are investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who was fatally injured in a shooting on New Year’s Day, an incident that has left a community grieving and calling for answers.
According to law enforcement officials, police were dispatched at approximately 1:10 a.m. Thursday to the area of Westwind Avenue after receiving a report of a person who had been shot. When officers arrived, they determined that the victim, identified as 15-year-old Brynnlee Hampton, had been injured inside a vehicle.
Investigators said Brynnlee was seated in the car with several other teenagers at the time of the incident. Court documents indicate that multiple witnesses told police one of the teenage boys inside the vehicle had been handling a firearm. Witnesses reported that the weapon was being waved around and pointed toward other passengers.
The teenage driver told investigators she initially believed she heard a sound similar to a firework. Moments later, a front-seat passenger informed her that she believed she had been shot. The driver immediately pulled the vehicle over and realized Brynnlee had been injured.
Officers who examined the vehicle reported finding a single bullet hole in the rear of the front passenger seat, along with blood on the front passenger seat. Brynnlee was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she later died.
Police confirmed that two 17-year-old boys have been arrested in connection with the incident. One teen faces a charge of manslaughter, while the other has been charged with tampering with evidence. Authorities have not released further details as the investigation remains ongoing.
The loss of Brynnlee Hampton has deeply affected her school and community. Tascosa High School Volleyball shared a message honoring her memory and expressing grief over her death.
“Our hearts are broken,” the post read. “Our volleyball family is mourning the tragic loss of one of our own. Brynnlee was a light on and off the court. We hold her family, friends, and teammates in our thoughts and prayers as we mourn together and honor her memory.”
As the investigation continues, loved ones and community members are remembering Brynnlee as a bright presence whose life was cut far too short.
