Paul Vasquez (Photo: Harris County Sheriff's Office)
A second suspect has been arrested in connection to the drive-by shooting death of a Harris County boy that is believed to have stemmed from a case of mistaken identity, the sheriff’s office says.
Jalonie Ernest was charged with felony murder in the death of 8-year-old Paul Vasquez, authorities announced Tuesday. According to HCSO, Ernest is believed to be the shooter.
MORE: Boy shot, killed in drive-by shooting at east Harris County home
Authorities say the boy, his mother and two older brothers were at the home in the 13800 block of McNair Street when the shooting occurred around 10:45 p.m. June 12.
Vasquez was shot while in bed and was able to get up and tell his mom that he had been shot before he became unresponsive, according to the sheriff’s office.
He was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest, but he did not survive his injuries.
RELATED: Deadly Harris County drive-by shooting: Suspect charged after boy shot in bed
Two weeks ago, the sheriff’s office announced that the first suspect, Denzel Perkins, had been charged with felony murder.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Houston man charged in deadly drive-by shooting that killed 8-year-old boy
Denzel Perkins, 26, was arrested and appeared in court for the first time Wednesday for the death of an 8-year-old boy in a drive-by shooting but investigators say the search continues for more potential suspects.
In his first court appearance after his arrest, officials revealed that Perkins had admitted only to being the driver involved in the shooting.