HOUSTON — A family is grappling with heartbreak after their loved one was killed in a shooting at what police are calling a "makeshift club" in north Houston Saturday night.
A 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were killed. Four other teen girls were injured.
It happened at the "Curfew Club" on Jensen Drive. Houston police said the gathering was described as a "pop-up party" that turned deadly when shots were fired.
The victims were 14-year-old Azyria Bankhead and 16-year-old King Randle, according to the medical examiner's office.
Azyria's family is stunned and heartbroken.
“Nobody was expecting this to happen,” said a family member who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s sad that she had to have her life taken at so young for something that was so senseless.”
Loved ones described Azyria as a good, fun and happy kid.
They also said they do not want Azyria's family to be blamed for this tragedy.
"This area we live in is dangerous, but we still want our kids to go out and enjoy our life. We should not be blamed for wanting our kids to enjoy life. We don't know what's going to happen when we send our kids out here," the family member said.
Surveillance footage from a nearby home obtained by KHOU 11 News captures the night's chaos. Gunshots and people screaming can be heard.
Of the four others injured, we know a 13-year-old girl is in critical condition.
“We’re heartbroken. It’s a tragic event that should have never happened," said Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz.
Investigators are working to identify a suspect and determine a motive. No arrests have been made.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
"Please help us by asking those young people to share any kind of video footage they may have captured on a cell phone, so we can solve this," Diaz said.
KHOU 11 News tried speaking with the club owner over the weekend but a woman at their listed address refused to answer questions.
“Our homicide division is looking through that, and it’s just part of the investigation," Diaz said when asked if they have connected with the club owner.
Diaz said they will work to crack down on other pop-up parties to hopefully prevent another tragedy like this from happening.
Witnesses told police they saw a tall, thin man wearing all-black clothing and a black mask firing into the crowd. Their age is unknown.
Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).