HOUSTON — A first-day-of-school tradition that began after the 2016 murder of 11-year-old Josue Flores took place Monday morning in north Houston.
State and local leaders gathered at Marshall Middle School for the 8th annual "Safe Walk Home Northside." They were joined by the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
This year's event took on a festive note with lively music and goody bags full of snacks and supplies for the students.
Organizers stressed the importance of supporting students each year while also prioritizing safety.
"I continue to invite everyone to be part of the group, be involved, let's continue doing what we're doing for many, many years to come because the life and the journey of each student and every school district is important," said Stella Mireles-Walters with Safe Walk Home Northside.
The family of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also attended the event in her memory. They said Lee took part every year. They presented the organization’s founder with a commendation for her work in the late congresswoman’s honor.
Who was Josue Flores?
Josue Flores was walking home from school in May 2016 when Andre Jackson attacked him and stabbed him more than 20 times.
During Jackson's 2022 trial, Richard Guerra testified that he heard the boy yelling, “Please, please, don’t kill me, take anything.”
Guerra said Josue told him he wanted to go home and tried to walk away but the little boy collapsed and died on the sidewalk.
His death shook the entire city far beyond the northside neighborhood where it happened.
In 2022, jurors convicted Jackson of murder and sentenced him to life in prison.
You can watch Jackson speak just before receiving his sentence below: