Critical Condition: 12-Year-Old Texas Boy Shot by 14-Year-Old

The attack happened last weekend in Big Spring, and the boy was rushed to the nearby hospital where he remained in critical condition with a bullet wound.

Big Spring, Texas Shooting Victim

On Feb. 16, just before midnight, the Big Spring Police Department responded to a call of a 12-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound.

Right after they arrived, officers rushed the boy to Covenant UMC in Lubbock where he remained in critical condition.

The shooting suspect, a 14-year-old boy, was later taken into custody after a thorough inspection by the Big Spring Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.

On Feb. 18, when the 14-year-old was arrested, officers also found the gun that was used in the attack. The firearm was actually found to be stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Big Spring.

Big Spring Police Department released a statement following the arrest of the 14-year-old suspect:

Texas Juvenile Crime Stats

Within the State of Texas, 2023 saw 8% of detained minors in the system for murder, according to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

The fact sheet also highlighted the increased levels of "high need" when it comes to aggression treatment in juveniles since 2020.

Also, from 2018 to 2023, homicide referrals doubled, firearms offenses went up by 50%, and felony drug charges nearly doubled as well.

Finally, Texas ranks 27th in the nation with the overall rate of juveniles per capita committed to secure care.