14-year-old suspect in fatal shooting at Houston farmers’ market to remain in custody after appearing before judge for first time

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A teenager charged in the death of a Houston Farmers Market employee must remain in custody after appearing before a judge for the first time Monday.

The 14-year-old is charged with capital murder following the deadly June 6 shooting at the Greater Heights Farmers Market on Airline Drive.

Authorities said he and another teen fatally shot Damon Price, 36, as they tried to steal a golf cart.

Price, who was working early at the farmers market, allegedly confronted the teens, and they shot him at least four times, investigators said.

As the alleged killer is 14 years old, he has not been identified. According to sources, the teenager went with his mother.

RELATED: Mother of 14-year-old charged in death of Houston Farmers Market worker turned him in, sources say

As for the other teen believed to be involved in Price’s killing, police said they are not looking for anyone else. But it is not yet known whether a second teenager has been charged.

At Monday’s detention hearing, a magistrate judge determined the 14-year-old could not be released to his family members.

The suspect’s grandmother was present to testify, saying they would watch over him at all times, that he would not be allowed out after the 9:30 p.m. curfew, and that he would not have access to weapons . But ultimately, the judge said that because of the seriousness of the capital murder charge, the teen would remain in prison.

RELATED: 14-year-old suspect in custody after Houston Farmers Market employee dies in shooting

Defense attorney Douglas Loper emphasized that the teen had no criminal history. He spoke to ABC13 about how he felt after the hearing.

“Disappointed but not too surprised,” Loper said. “It’s obviously a very serious allegation. We’ll take it day by day. It’s a lot for a 14-year-old, obviously.”

The teen will be back in court June 24, where a judge will once again decide whether he should be released into the custody of his mother and grandmother.

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