HOUSTON – KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel spoke with 16-year-old King Randle’s mother, roughly two days after he was shot and killed.
She asked to remain anonymous, but said his dreams of pursuing his career as a singer and rap artist were cut short.
“I had a picture when he was a young boy with a guitar and on the piano. He just always loved music, so he decided to make that his career,” said Randle’s mother.
Houston Police responded to the shooting at 10126 Jensen Road on Saturday around 11:30 p.m. Investigators said someone opened fire during a teen pop-up club being held in the building. King was set to perform.
“My daughter was at my son’s performance. He was doing a live performance. She called me to tell me that my son had been shot,” said Randle’s mother.
When she arrived at the scene, she learned her son died. Police say 14-year-old Azyria Bankhead also died after being struck by gunfire. Four other teens were also injured, according to HPD.
HPD said the party was hosted by the Curfew Club. It advertises on Instagram as “The hottest Teen Club in Houston.” KPRC 2 has been working to track down the owners and employees but have not heard back.
King’s mother said her son never got to take the stage.
“Nothing that I add or say is going to bring my son back. He is my only son. My baby,” said Randle’s mother.
According to HPD, some witnesses have come forward and told detectives they saw a tall, thin black male suspect wearing all black clothing, a black hooded sweatshirt, and a black mask covering his face, shooting a pistol into a crowd of people in the venue. Investigators said detectives are following all leads and interviewing victims and witnesses. No suspects have been identified.
Anyone at the venue at the time of the shooting or who has any information on this incident is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.