Teen killed in accidental shooting at Fort Worth apartment

Police say two teens were inside an apartment when one of them discharged a firearm, striking the other in the chest.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:24am

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A 16-year-old has died after an accidental shooting at an apartment complex in Fort Worth, Texas. Police say two teens, believed to be friends, were inside an apartment when one of them discharged a firearm, striking the other in the chest. The teen who was shot was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

Gun violence and accidental shootings involving minors are an ongoing concern in the Fort Worth community. This tragic incident highlights the need for better gun safety education and storage practices to prevent such senseless loss of life.

The details

According to Fort Worth Police Department spokesperson Tracy Carter, officers were called to the apartment complex in the 6600 block of South Hulen just after 5:15 p.m. on Sunday. The 16-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The teen who fired the gun has been detained, and homicide detectives are working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting and who owned the firearm.

  • The shooting occurred on Sunday, April 5, 2026 around 5:15 p.m.

The players

Fort Worth Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the accidental shooting incident.

Tracy Carter

A spokesperson for the Fort Worth Police Department who provided details about the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“This is very much a tragic accident. Two juveniles are involved, and there are a lot of families affected by this.”

— Tracy Carter, Fort Worth Police Department spokesperson

“Please, if you don't know how to use a gun, and you're not supposed to have a gun, put those guns down. We're watching too many people lose their lives to gun violence or just senseless uses of a gun that they really don't know how to use.”

— Tracy Carter, Fort Worth Police Department spokesperson

What’s next

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office will identify the victim and determine the official cause and manner of death. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Fort Worth Police Department.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved gun safety education and storage practices, especially among young people, to prevent accidental shootings and save lives in the Fort Worth community.