Nariah Champion was an 18-year-old high school senior from Houston who was fatally shot in the abdomen on April 23, 2022, at an apartment complex in South Harris County. She was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead on arrival. Reports say a 17-year-old, Zakorion Batiste, was allegedly playing with a loaded handgun that discharged and struck Nariah.

Batiste was charged with manslaughter and released on a $50,000 bond with house arrest except for school. He failed to appear for sentencing in September 2024, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Nariah’s parents, Jonathan Champion and Keisha Shields, have spoken about their grief and urged that other adults present that day be held accountable. Classmates honored her at graduation by draping a cap and gown over an empty chair.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Crime Scene Unit investigated the shooting. Does anyone have additional information about the people present that day or about the investigation’s progress?