Riley DeArmas: 13-Year-Old Stabbed To Death in Houston
Riley DeArmas, just 13 years old, was described by her mother, Ashley DeArmas, as a "joyful, free-spirited, happy" girl who loved to dance and sing.
She was not known for violence; her family emphasized that she would never intentionally harm anyone.
Purple was her favorite color, and she was set to celebrate her 14th birthday next month—a milestone now replaced by mourning.
A student at Dean Middle School in the Cy-Fair Independent School District, Riley's bright future was extinguished in a moment of chaos that stemmed from an earlier dispute among teenagers.
She was fatally stabbed on February 4, 2026, during a brawl outside an apartment complex on Grow Lane. As we continue to highlight the stories of Black women and girls whose lives have been stolen too soon, Riley's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of youth and the urgent need for justice in the face of unimaginable loss.
The incident unfolded around 8 p.m. on that fateful Wednesday evening, when a large fight involving 20 to 30 people erupted near the apartment complex at the intersection of Grow Lane and Dow Road.
According to police reports, Riley was part of a group that arrived and began assaulting others in the area.
Amid the melee, a 10-year-old boy allegedly stabbed her, claiming self-defense after admitting to the act.
Paramedics rushed Riley to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries.
The young suspect was detained at the scene but released pending further investigation by Houston police.
Under Texas law, 10 is the minimum age for criminal responsibility, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case to determine if charges will be filed in juvenile court.
Riley's family vehemently disputes the self-defense claim, insisting that she was attacked and did not deserve to die.
"There was no self-defense," Ashley DeArmas told reporters, her voice heavy with grief.
Her aunt, Megan DeArmas, echoed the sentiment: "I will never get a chance to hug her, to tell her I love her, because her life was just cut so short."
The family has called for justice and a thorough investigation, including review of surveillance videos and witness statements.
In the days following the tragedy, nearly 100 loved ones gathered on February 7, 2026, for a heartfelt balloon release in Riley's honor.
A sea of purple balloons—her favorite color—filled the sky as the sun set, symbolizing the light she brought into the world.
The event was a moment of collective mourning, with warm embraces and shared memories underscoring the profound impact Riley had on those around her.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about youth violence and the legal ramifications for such young individuals involved in deadly incidents. Riley's story is not just one of loss but a call to action against the cycles of conflict that claim too many young Black lives. Her family urges the community to remember her not for how she died, but for the joy she lived. In a world where Black girls like Riley are often overlooked, we commit to keeping her memory alive and advocating for the justice she deserves.
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