Houston Families Honored Student After Fatal Shooting
The community gathered to memorialize 15-year-old Royce Witchet while calling for safer school environments.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Secondary Education
More than 100 mourners gathered at Fallbrook Church to honor Royce Witchet, a 15-year-old Westfield High School student who died in a fatal shooting on Sept. 22. The service served as both a memorial and a platform to advocate for an end to local gun violence.
Why it matters
The recent deaths of Royce Witchet and LePaul Warren have prompted families in Houston to seek legislative action to increase safety around area schools. This shift aims to address the rising impact of gun violence on local student logistics and household peace of mind.
The memorial honored 15-year-old Royce Witchet, while authorities confirmed separate arrests of a 14-year-old in his case and a 17-year-old for the shooting of LePaul Warren on Sept. 25. The family is now preparing a legislative proposal to toughen gun laws near schools.
The players
Royce Witchet
A 15-year-old student at Westfield High School whose death spurred community advocacy for school safety.
LePaul Warren
A student who was fatally shot outside Westbury High school shortly after the death of Royce Witchet.
The details
The memorial service at Fallbrook Church featured a slideshow of photos and videos as mourners wore orange and white to remember the student. Following these tragedies, the affected families are organizing a general walkout to bring public attention to school safety. This effort seeks to influence local policy regarding weapons access in the vicinity of educational institutions.
Timeline
Sept. 22: Royce Witchet was fatally shot.
Sept. 25: LePaul Warren was fatally shot outside Westbury High school.
Oct. 3: Memorial service held for Royce Witchet at Fallbrook Church.
Oct. 6: Planned general walkout for awareness at 2:30 p.m.
The Home Front
Local families are advocating for stricter safety measures to complement the federal protections of the School Gun-Free Zones Act. This push reflects a growing trend of communities seeking localized policy responses to address rising concerns about student safety and gun access.
Families across the area are encouraged to discuss safety protocols and local school security updates with their children. Parents should mark their calendars for the Oct. 6 walkout if they intend to participate in the call for increased safety measures.
The takeaway
The community is coming together to channel grief into advocacy for lasting policy changes. Families interested in participating in the upcoming awareness efforts should note the Oct. 6 walkout at 2:30 p.m. as the next key date for community involvement.
What happens next
The family plans to host a general walkout to advocate for increased safety on Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Further reading
Learn more about local school safety initiatives on the Secondary Education page.
