APD arrests, charges 16-year-old boy with murder in death of girl in north Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In an update Wednesday, the Austin Police Department said it arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the Monday death of a 16-year-old girl. The boy has been charged with murder.

APD said officers initially responded around 6 p.m. to calls about a shooting at the Bridge at Harris Ridge Apartments located at 1501 East Howard Lane.

At the scene, officers found a victim, later identified as Za’Riyah Sheffield, with apparent gunshot wounds. She died at the scene, according to APD.

An investigation by Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists determined the boy accused the victim of “simply looking at him.” Police said a verbal disturbance escalated into the suspect shooting and killing Sheffield and then running away.

According to police, the suspect later returned to the area and was arrested by officers.