- A 10-year-old boy has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of 13-year-old Riley DeArmas in Houston.
- The incident occurred during a large fight involving two groups at an apartment complex on February 4.
- Riley's mother expressed relief at the arrest but emphasized the ongoing pain of losing her daughter.
HOUSTON, TEXAS — A 10-year-old boy has now been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of 13-year-old Riley DeArmas, weeks after prosecutors were still reviewing whether charges could be filed in the case.
The stabbing happened on February 4 at an apartment complex in the 8040 block of Grow Lane in northwest Houston. Police said officers responded to a stabbing call at the location and found Riley suffering from a stab wound.
Houston Fire Department paramedics took her to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Fight Involved Two Groups
Investigators said the stabbing happened during a fight between two groups of people at the apartment complex. Earlier reports said the fight may have involved roughly 20 to 30 people.
Police said Riley was among those involved in the altercation when she was stabbed.
A 10-year-old boy was detained at the scene and questioned by investigators. At the time, police said the boy claimed he acted in self-defense. He was later released while detectives continued reviewing the case.
Boy Charged and Arrested in North Carolina
Houston police later announced that the boy had been charged for his alleged role in Riley’s death.
According to an update from HPD, the juvenile suspect was charged with murder on March 31 and referred to the Harris County Juvenile Probation Authorities.
Because the suspect is a juvenile, his name and photo have not been released.
Police said the boy was arrested on April 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina, by members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team.
Mother Says Arrest Is Bittersweet
Riley’s mother, Ashley DeArmas, said the arrest brought some relief, but nothing can bring her daughter back.
She told ABC13 that she was satisfied an arrest had been made because it gave her some peace of mind. Still, she said both families are dealing with loss because the case involves children.
Ashley said Riley should be remembered as goofy, bubbly, and full of style. She said her daughter had been excited about turning 14 on March 20, a birthday the family had planned to celebrate before her death.
Instead, her family marked the day without her.
Ashley said she misses Riley every day and wants justice for her daughter.
Family Disputed Self-Defense Claim
When the case was first reported, police said the boy claimed he stabbed Riley in self-defense.
Riley’s family and friends disputed that account. Her mother said Riley was not a violent person and believed her daughter had been attacked.
Investigators also looked into whether the fight may have been connected to an earlier dispute involving local teenagers.
The case will now move through the juvenile court system as authorities continue handling the murder charge.
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