10-Year-Old Charged in Fatal Stabbing of 13-Year-Old Houston Girl; Arrested in North Carolina

HOUSTON, Texas — Charges have been filed against a juvenile suspect in the fatal stabbing of a 13-year-old girl earlier this year in northwest Houston, police said.

According to the Houston Police Department, the incident occurred around 7:50 p.m. on February 4, 2026, at the Quail Creek II Apartments in the 8000 block of Grow Lane.

Officers responded to a stabbing call and found 13-year-old Riley Jordyn DeArmas suffering from a stab wound. She was transported to a hospital by the Houston Fire Department, where she was later pronounced dead.

Investigators said the stabbing followed an altercation between two groups at the apartment complex.

A 10-year-old male was initially detained at the scene and later released pending further investigation. Police said the juvenile told investigators at the time that he acted in self-defense.

Following additional investigation, the juvenile was formally charged with murder on March 31 and referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities. His identity has not been released due to his age.

Authorities later learned the suspect had fled the area. On April 22, members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Violent Criminal Apprehension Team located and arrested the juvenile in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Officials did not provide further details as to who may have assisted the suspect in leaving the state, and additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

The case remains under investigation.