NBC 5 reports that a 19-year-old Irving woman is dead and a man is behind bars, accused of shooting her early Sunday in College Station, police say.
Lacie LaRose was at a party with friends in the 900 block of San Benito Drive, in southeast College Station, when, police said, a verbal and then physical altercation developed between the people at the gathering and a neighbor along with an acquaintance of the neighbor.
An officer nearby heard multiple gunshots just after 3 a.m. and saw what he believed to be muzzle flashes coming from the front of the home, and he reported seeing two people get into vehicles and leave the area, police said.
Three people were found shot at the home, including LaRose, who was pronounced dead just before 5 a.m. Sunday. Her mother, April LaRose, wants people to know how caring she was.
"Ever since she was little she loved animals. It was her dream to become a vet. The vet dream was taken from her," said April LaRose.
Lacie LaRose graduated from Nimitz High School in Irving, and her mom said she picked Blinn College so she could transfer to Texas A&M and become a veterinarian.
"She had a short life. I wanted a grand-baby from her. She was our only child," said April LaRose.
There has been a huge outpouring of support from friends. Angelica Mata said Lacie LaRose was always there to help anyone.
"Who else is going to be my best friend? Who else am I going to be able to call in the middle of the night?" said Mata. Also shot at the home in College Station were a 23-year-old man from Bryan and a 29-year-old man from San Antonio, both of whom survived.
Officers soon located and arrested 39-year-old Ronald Wayne McNeil, of College Station. He is charged with murder, deadly conduct and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Police said the acquaintance was also found and is cooperating with investigators.
Funeral arrangements have been set for Lacie LaRose. Her parents said a couple donated the use of Trinity Christian Church on 3000 West Airport Freeway in Irving, and they are very grateful.
A viewing is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, before the funeral at 2 p.m.
