A 10-year-old boy has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of 13-year-old Riley DeArmas in northwest Houston, authorities announced Thursday.
Houston Police Department officials confirmed the boy was charged with murder on March 31, 2026. He was arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 22 and extradited to Texas in connection with the case. The charge related to an incident that occurred on February 4, 2026, per KTRK.
The stabbing took place around 8 p.m. in the 8000 block of Grow Lane during a large fight outside an apartment complex involving up to 20 or 30 juveniles, KHOU 11 reported at the time. Officers found DeArmas with at least one stab wound. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
At the scene, the 10-year-old boy told officers he stabbed the girl and claimed self-defense. He was initially detained but later released pending further investigation, per Fox 26. Houston police have not released the boy’s name due to his age.
The case is being handled through the juvenile justice system in Harris County. Texas law permits the prosecution of children as young as 10 in serious felony cases, including murder.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and juvenile authorities will determine next steps, including any potential detention or court proceedings for the 10-year-old.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains active.
