An 18-year-old man in Texas has been arrested for allegedly killing another teen, shooting the victim at his own high school graduation party in the aftermath of a fight between two girls as the festivities came to an end.
Chad Lee-Gardner was arrested on Monday and charged with one count of murder in the death of 18-year-old Andrew Farias, authorities said. According to a news release from the Uhland Police Department, officers responded to a residence on Rocky Road around 1 a.m. on Sunday regarding a reported shooting. The house is approximately 25 miles south of Austin, Texas.
Following a preliminary investigation, police stated that “an altercation took place” outside the home, during which “a firearm was produced” by an unknown individual. The suspected shooter, later identified as Lee-Gardner, fled the scene before officers arrived.
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At the scene, police discovered a 17-year-old male suspect with at least one gunshot wound. The victim, later identified as Farias, was pronounced dead on the scene.
In a follow-up statement, police said they were able to locate Lee-Gardner late Monday evening in Austin and arrest him with the assistance of the Texas Rangers. He was then transported and booked into Travis County Jail.
Court documents obtained by Austin Fox affiliate KTBC revealed additional details about what allegedly happened before the fatal shooting.
According to the report, Farias had just graduated from San Marcos High School the day before, and one of his family members was hosting a party for him at their home on Saturday night. The party reportedly began around 10 p.m., and more than 100 people attended throughout the night.
The homeowner, Farias’ aunt, told police that they began clearing people from the property around 1 a.m., when witnesses reported a fight between two female partygoers.
A witness told police that the fight began when some girls in a group were “making faces” and discussing other girls at the party, resulting in a confrontation that Farias’ aunt attempted to break up. During the altercation, Lee-Gardner “jumped in” and hit Farias’ aunt in the head with a handgun. Farias then attempted to intervene, and authorities say Lee-Gardner fired two shots, striking him at least once.
According to authorities, at least one partygoer recorded the incident, which clearly shows Lee-Gardner as the shooter.
Farias’ girlfriend, Mariana De Luna, told the San Antonio Fox affiliate KABB that he died in her arms.
“I’m glad he knew I’d be with him until the end,” she told the station.
Farias’ mother, Shannon Vasquez, issued the following statement to Austin ABC affiliate KVUE:
No words can describe this pain I’m feeling. I lost my best friend. I love all my children but Andrew held a special place in my heart. Everyone that knew us knew he was nothing more than a momma’s boy. Him and I had a bond that everyone admired. My baby boy was the light of the room. He was always so positive and a drama-free kid. He avoided any confrontation. He had so many dreams ahead of him and always said, ‘Momma, I’m going to get us out the hood. I’m going to make you so proud Momma.’ He was an amazing big and little brother. He loved his siblings and his stepdad. Everyone knew him for his big smile. He smiled at everyone and everything. He was a busy body and just wanted to enjoy life.
As of Thursday afternoon, a GoFundMe campaign for Farias’ memorial had raised nearly $20,000 of the $30,000 goal.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing and urged anyone with information or video from the night of the incident to call police at (512) 398-7399.
