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Two Teenage Suspects Charged with Capital Murder After Teen Killed in New Braunfels Shooting
An 18-year-old and a 16-year-old have been arrested and charged with capital murder following a fatal shooting in New Braunfels, Texas.
Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:49pm
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A 16-year-old boy was killed in a shooting on Saengerhalle Road in New Braunfels, Texas, and two suspects - an 18-year-old man who was also shot, and a 16-year-old - have been arrested and charged with capital murder. Police say the 18-year-old, Jayce Cooper, was identified as the shooter of the deceased victim, while the 16-year-old suspect was present and involved in the altercation. The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests or charges may be pending.
Why it matters
Violent crimes involving teenagers are a concerning trend in many communities, raising questions about youth violence, access to firearms, and the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of youth crime and provide support and resources for at-risk youth.
The details
According to police, officers responded to reports of shots fired on Saengerhalle Road in New Braunfels on February 19, 2026, around 6 p.m. They found a 16-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, who was pronounced dead at the scene. An 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the chest was later dropped off at a local hospital and transferred to a San Antonio hospital in critical condition. Investigators identified Jayce Cooper, 18, as the shooter of the deceased victim, and a 16-year-old suspect as also being present and involved in the altercation.
- On February 19, 2026, around 6 p.m., police responded to reports of shots fired on Saengerhalle Road in New Braunfels.
- The 16-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The 18-year-old suspect was dropped off at a local hospital and transferred to a San Antonio hospital in critical condition.
The players
Jayce Cooper
An 18-year-old who was identified as the shooter of the deceased 16-year-old victim.
16-year-old suspect
A 16-year-old who was present and involved in the altercation that led to the shooting.
What they’re saying
“The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests or charges may be pending.”
— New Braunfels Police Department (foxsanantonio.com)
What’s next
The 18-year-old suspect, Jayce Cooper, is in custody at University Hospital and will be transferred to the Bexar County Jail after he recovers. The 16-year-old suspect has been detained, charged with capital murder, and transferred to the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Center.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address youth violence, including improved access to mental health resources, community-based intervention programs, and stricter gun control measures to keep firearms out of the hands of minors. Policymakers and community leaders must work together to create a safer environment for young people and prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring in the future.
