Family of Slain Texas Teen Demands Justice After Playground Shooting

BAYTOWN, Texas – The family of 14-year-old Anaya “Naya” Zachary is seeking justice after the Texas teenager was fatally shot by a classmate. Grieving loved ones gathered on Saturday evening to honor her memory, releasing dozens of purple balloons—her favorite color—into the sky.

Authorities say Anaya was shot and killed around 4 p.m. Friday on the playground of her Baytown apartment complex. The shooting allegedly followed an earlier altercation between Anaya and the suspect, a teenage boy who attended Baytown Junior School with her.

“I was told that he told Naya, ‘When I get off the bus, I’m going to kill you today,’” said Sonya Stanford, Anaya’s godmother, who helped raise her.

Anaya’s father, Joseph Zachary, said he was aware that a student had been bullying his daughter but never imagined it would escalate to violence.

“I guess it kept escalating or something. I don’t know what’s going on. They’re telling me it’s a school thing. I’m not sure what it is. But I know I came here yesterday, and my child was dead, laying out there in the parking lot,” Zachary said.

Stanford described Anaya as a bright student with a promising future.

“She’d give you no problems. ‘Yes ma’am, no ma’am.’ All Naya wanted to do was get in her books, learn, graduate, and go on about her life,” she said.

Despite her grief, Stanford expressed forgiveness toward the teenage suspect but held his parents accountable.

“I forgive the little boy. I’m very disappointed in his parents because your parenting skills are not right at all. But as for the little boy, I forgive him,” she said.

Family members have launched an online fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and plan to lay Anaya to rest in Louisiana, where she was raised.

The suspect remains in custody, though authorities have not released his name due to his age. It remains unclear what charges he may face or whether his parents will be held legally responsible.