Houston teen killed in Valentine's Day house party shooting

Mariah Alatorre, 17, was caught in the crossfire at a party on the city's South Side.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A 17-year-old Houston girl named Mariah Alatorre was shot and killed early on Valentine's Day morning while attending a house party with friends. Police say Alatorre was caught in the crossfire after someone started shooting at the party on Dagg Road. She was rushed to the hospital but later pronounced dead. No suspects are in custody at this time.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing gun violence issues in Houston, which has seen a rise in homicides in recent years. The death of a young person at a party meant to be a celebration has shaken the community and left Alatorre's family searching for answers.

The details

According to reports, Alatorre was at the party with friends on Dagg Road in Houston's South Side when someone started shooting. She was caught in the crossfire and rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The Houston Police Department has not provided any further details on the shooting or potential suspects.

  • The shooting occurred early on the morning of Valentine's Day (February 14, 2026).
  • Alatorre was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day.

The players

Mariah Alatorre

A 17-year-old Houston resident who was killed in the shooting at the Valentine's Day house party.

Yady Alatorre

The mother of Mariah Alatorre, who expressed that her daughter believed everyone was her friend.

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What they’re saying

“She believed that everybody was her friend.”

— Yady Alatorre, Mother of Mariah Alatorre (Fox 26 Houston)

What’s next

The Houston Police Department has stated they will hold a news conference later in the day to provide more information on the investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a Valentine's Day party has left a family and community devastated, highlighting the ongoing gun violence issues in Houston and the need for greater public safety measures to protect young people.