The family of a Westbury High School student who was shot last Friday is organizing a walk against gun violence Saturday, as concerns about gun-related incidents near Houston-area schools remain heightened.
LePaul Warren’s family says the walk will honor his life while bringing young people and adults in the community together.
Warren’s godfather, Nate Santee, said the family is still dealing with the loss.
“We’ve really been going through it, trying to deal with the loss of LaPaul. It’s almost unreal” Santee said.
Santee said the walk is intended to raise awareness about gun violence and create stronger connections between generations.
“It’s to create awareness of gun violence, also to look back at LaPaul’s life and celebrate it,” Santee said. “But also we hope to bridge the gap between the youth in our community and also the men in our communities.”
The walk comes on the same day Mead Middle School in Aldine ISD was temporarily placed on secure status following a report of an individual in a nearby neighborhood displaying a weapon.
Aldine ISD said its police department responded and confirmed the individual was in possession of a firearm. The individual was detained at a nearby home, and the secure status was later lifted.
The district said all students and staff remained safe. The incident remains under investigation.
Santee said the recent incidents underscore the potential consequences of gun violence.
“One quick second can change the rest of your life and take someone’s life” Santee said.
Officer Ken Nealy with the Houston Police Officers’ Union said the frequency of gun-related incidents around schools has been concerning.
“The amount of incidents where we’re seeing around the schools with gun violence is at an all-time high,” Officer Nealy said, drawing on his 31 years as a Houston police officer.
The union representative said parents can take steps to stay more involved, including talking with their children about safety, knowing where they are before and after school and paying attention to what children may be carrying.
“This may be a good opportunity for parents to check those backpacks.” Officer Nealy said.
The representative also encouraged students to tell a trusted adult or school administrator if they see something that could pose a threat.
Santee said the family hopes the walk leads to more mentorship between adults and young people.
He said children need people in their homes and communities who can guide them and help them make better decisions.
“We just need to have people in the homes. We need to have people in the community who’s stepping up and helping guide our young men, because they can’t do it by themselves” Santee said.
Santee also thanked the community for its support following Warren’s death.
“Let’s keep LePaul’s legacy alive and long live LePaul” Santee said.
The walk is scheduled for Saturday from 1:30pm-3pmCT starting near Westbury High School and ending at Willow Waterhole Greenway.
