Houston police say a 10-year-old boy faces a murder charge in the February death of 13-year-old Riley DeArmas.
HOUSTON, TX — The mother of a 13-year-old Houston girl fatally stabbed during a fight at a northwest Houston apartment complex said an arrest in the case has brought relief while leaving her family’s grief unchanged.
Houston police said a 10-year-old boy has been charged with murder in the death of Riley DeArmas, who was stabbed Feb. 4 at an apartment complex on Grow Lane. The boy, whose name has not been released because he is a juvenile, was arrested April 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina, after police said investigators filed the charge in late March.
Police said officers were called about 7:50 p.m. Feb. 4 to 8047 Grow Lane after reports of a stabbing. Officers found Riley with a stab wound, and Houston Fire Department paramedics took her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators said the stabbing followed an altercation between two groups of people at the complex. The 10-year-old was detained at the scene that night and later released while detectives continued the investigation. Ashley DeArmas, Riley’s mother, said the arrest was “very bittersweet” because her daughter cannot come home. “I’m very satisfied with the arrest made today. It puts my mind at ease,” she said.
Riley was identified by police as the 13-year-old girl killed in the stabbing. Her mother described her as a goofy, bubbly child who loved fashion and was excited about the plans she had for her life. Ashley DeArmas said the family struggled through March 20, the day Riley would have turned 14. She said they had talked about Riley’s birthday before the stabbing and had made plans for it. Police have not released the name or photo of the accused boy, citing his age. Investigators also have not publicly released the full evidence they used to file the murder charge. At the time of the stabbing, police said the boy had claimed self-defense, but investigators later moved forward with the murder allegation.
The case has drawn attention because of the ages of both children and because the boy was first released after being detained. Police said detectives with the homicide division continued to interview witnesses and review the circumstances after the night of the stabbing. The department said further investigation led to the March 31 charge. The scene was in northwest Houston near Grow Lane and Dow Road, south of U.S. 290, in an area of apartment communities and busy roads. Riley had been a middle school student, and her death was felt by classmates, relatives and neighbors who knew her as a child still growing into her teen years. Her mother said the arrest does not erase the loss felt by both families.
The boy has been referred to Harris County juvenile probation authorities on the murder charge. Because he is 10, the case is expected to move through the juvenile justice system rather than adult court. Houston police said members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested him in Charlotte on April 22. Officials have not said why he was in North Carolina or when he may be returned to Harris County. No public hearing date was listed in the police update. The next steps are expected to include juvenile court proceedings, review by prosecutors and continued handling by probation authorities under state juvenile law.
Ashley DeArmas said she wants justice for Riley while also recognizing that the accused is a child. “We both are taking a loss due to these being children, but my child is gone forever, and I just want justice served for her,” she said. She said memories of Riley remain part of daily life for the family. Riley’s birthday was especially painful, she said, because her daughter had been looking forward to turning 14. Ashley DeArmas said Riley should be remembered beyond the violence of one night. “I miss you, every day, down to the very second. I love her, and I miss her,” she said.
The case remained active after the boy’s arrest in North Carolina. Houston police said the charge was filed March 31, and the arrest was made April 22. The next milestone is the boy’s return to the Harris County juvenile system and the first court steps in the murder case.
Author note: Last updated April 24, 2026.