Suspects in custody for deadly Houston METRO bus shooting in Westchase

By Briahn Hawkins and Karys Belger

Updated January 8, 2026 7:41pm CST

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HOUSTON - Two suspects are in custody for Wednesday's deadly shooting on a Houston METRO bus in Westchase, according to METRO Police.

Houston METRO bus shooting: Two in custody

What we know:

The first suspect, 17-year-old Brayden Smith, is charged with murder for a bystander's death in the incident.

Brayden Smith mugshot

The other suspect, who court records identify as 18-year-old Patrick Scott, has been charged with unlawful carry of a weapon.

METRO Police Department reported Thursday that both suspects fired their weapons at the victims. However, in a recent update on Friday, Houston Police Department detectives say Smith fired the shots that hit the two victims. Scott was only armed at the time.

Patrick Scott mugshot

The teen's injuries are said to be non-life-threatening.

What we don't know:

The victim has not been identified at this time.

METRO PD statement

METRO extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the passenger who lost her life in yesterday’s shooting aboard Bus No. 2611 on Route 161 near Walnut Bend and Richmond. This was a tragic and senseless act of violence, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this devastating incident. Upon further investigation of the case, it has been confirmed that the incident involved two individuals who discharged firearms while onboard the bus. A female passenger who was not involved in the altercation was fatally struck, and another passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Both suspects have now been taken into custody. The individual who fired first and caused the fatal injury has been charged with murder. The second individual, who allegedly returned fire and injured another passenger, has been charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. The METRO Police Department worked closely with the Houston Police Department throughout the investigation. Surveillance footage from the bus was quickly secured and shared with investigators, which, along with witness information, helped identify the suspects and supported the rapid arrests. While no transit system can prevent every violent act, this case reflects the importance of coordinated response, surveillance technology and community cooperation in holding offenders accountable.HPD remains the lead agency in this homicide investigation, with MPD continuing to support all aspects of the case.

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Manhunt underway after deadly Houston METRO bus shooting

An active manhunt is underway for a suspect following a deadly shooting that occurred on a Houston METRO bus on Wednesday afternoon. FOX 26's Karys Belger has the very latest.

The backstory:

The shooting was reported Wednesday afternoon in Houston's Westchase area.

According to Houston police, the two suspects were arguing, and at some point, a woman and a teen were shot.

The driver immediately stopped the bus, and all passengers got off, including the suspects. Police believed at least one of the suspects may have ran towards an apartment complex.

Houston METRO bus shooting: Photos released of 2 suspects after woman killed, teen hurt

Houston police are searching for two suspects in a shooting on a METRO bus that left a woman dead and a 16-year-old boy injured on Wednesday.

The wounded woman, believed to be a bystander, was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police say the injured teen showed up at a hospital later.

The Source: Houston Police Department and previous FOX 26 reporting.

Crime and Public Safety Houston Westchase