Teen Confronts Bullies, Meets Horrible Fate

Samuel Reynolds, 16, was murdered days later
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 8, 2020 10:00 AM CST

Samuel Reynolds was bold enough to fend off a bully. Days later, one of the kids involved allegedly pulled out a .40 caliber gun and shot him—dead. That's what police in Arlington, Texas, are saying about the 16-year-old who lost his life for doing the right thing, CNN reports. Now authorities have arrested a 15-year-old who allegedly confronted Reynolds at his apartment complex and murdered him. "This senseless act of gun violence has no place in society and our hometown community," says Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson. "This was an emotionally tough case for responding officers, investigators and medics." Teachers and students assembled for a vigil Friday at Arlington High School, where CBS Dallas Fort-Worth reports that grief counselors are offering assistance.

"Makes no sense at all. Guns, out of all things," says a sophomore at the school. "An innocent mother lost her child and it's just really sad to think about that. No mother or parent should ever go through that.” Reynolds' mother, Madison Fletcher, tells WFAA that "he was so compassionate and cared so much about his friends and family. He was passionate about soccer and music. He was very loyal and had a great sense of humor." Police say they plan to focus on how the suspect, who didn't attend Arlington High School, was able to obtain a handgun. "That's something we want an answer for," says Lt. Chris Cook. "We are sick and tired of children in our community coming in contact with firearms and possessing them and using them." Reynolds is Arlington's sixth homicide already this year.
(More murder stories.)

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