Teen killed after girls fight at his graduation party: Cops
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Inset, left to right: Andrew Farias (GoFundMe), Chad Lee-Gardner (Travis County Jail). Background: The residence where Lee-Gardner is accused of killing Farias during his high school graduation celebration (KTBC)

A young man, aged 18, from Texas, has been apprehended for allegedly killing another teenager, shooting him fatally during the victim’s own high school graduation celebration. The tragic incident occurred shortly after a dispute broke out between two girls as the event was wrapping up.

On Monday, Chad Lee-Gardner was arrested and charged with murder in connection to the death of 18-year-old Andrew Farias, authorities reported. As per a news release from the Uhland Police Department, officers were dispatched around 1 a.m. on Sunday to a home located on Rocky Road following a shooting report. The location is roughly 25 miles south of Austin, Texas.

Following a preliminary investigation, police said that “an altercation took place” outside of the home during which “a firearm was produced” by a then-unknown individual. The suspected shooter — later identified as Lee-Gardner — fled the area before police arrived.

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At the scene, police said they found a 17-year-old male suspect who appeared to have sustained at least one gunshot wound. The victim — later identified as Farias — was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a follow-up release, police said they were able to locate Lee-Gardner late Monday evening in Austin and place him under arrest with the help of the Texas Rangers. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Travis County Jail.

Court documents obtained by Austin Fox affiliate KTBC provided additional details about what allegedly transpired prior to the fatal shooting.

According to the report, Farias had just graduated from San Marcos High School the previous day and one of his family members was hosting a party for him at their home on Saturday night. The party reportedly began at around 10 p.m. with more than 100 people showing up over the course of the night.

The homeowner, identified as Farias’ aunt, told police that they started clearing people from the property at about 1 a.m., which is when witnesses said two female partygoers got into a fight.

More from Law&Crime: ‘He was my favorite person’: Beloved father of 6 shot to death in alleged ‘cold-blooded’ surprise attack at his only daughter’s high school graduation party

A witness told police that the fight started because some girls in a group were “making faces” and talking about other girls at the party, leading to a confrontation, which Farias’ aunt tried to break up. At some point during the altercation, Lee-Gardner “jumped in” and struck Farias’ aunt in the head with a handgun. Farias then attempted to intervene, which is when authorities say Lee-Gardner fired two shots, striking Farias at least once.

Authorities reportedly said that the incident was recorded by at least one partygoer and clearly shows that Lee-Gardner was the shooter.

Mariana De Luna, Farias’ girlfriend, told San Antonio Fox affiliate KABB that he died in her arms.

“I’m glad he knew I was with him till the very end,” she told the station.

Shannon Vasquez, Farias’ mother, released the following statement to Austin ABC affiliate KVUE:

No words can describe this pain I’m feeling. I lost my best friend. I love all my children but Andrew held a special place in my heart. Everyone that knew us knew he was nothing more than a momma’s boy. Him and I had a bond that everyone admired. My baby boy was the light of the room. He was always so positive and a drama-free kid. He avoided any confrontation. He had so many dreams ahead of him and always said, ‘Momma, I’m going to get us out the hood. I’m going to make you so proud Momma.’ He was an amazing big and little brother. He loved his siblings and his stepdad. Everyone knew him for his big smile. He smiled at everyone and everything. He was a busy body and just wanted to enjoy life.

A GoFundMe for Farias’ memorial had raised almost $20,000 of its $30,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing and urged anyone with information or video from the night of the incident to contact police at (512) 398-7399.

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