On the night of September 4, 2023, 12-year-old Frederick Fred Johnson Jr. was fatally shot in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Houston. The shooting happened about 11 p.m. in the 4100 block of Barberry Drive near Scott Street as Fred walked home with friends. According to accounts, an argument with 18-year-old Kahlis Willis escalated and Willis allegedly produced a firearm, shooting Fred multiple times; Fred was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses said there had been prior tension between Fred and Willis, and a friend who was present said Willis had previously stayed with Fred’s family after being evicted. The friend also said a final shot was aimed at him but missed. Houston police searched for Willis and arrested him on September 5, 2023; he was charged with capital murder. The Sunnyside community mourned Fred, remembered him as friendly and good-natured, and local coaches urged more resources for youth.

Did anyone in Sunnyside know Fred or have information about tensions between him and Willis?