Houston murder suicide: Samuel Yeargain confirmed as the shooter, killing his friend Pierce Schwartz, then himself
The Texas teenage boys who were killed in a murder suicide last Thursday died from gunshot wounds to the head and the details from the coroner confirm that Samuel Yeargain was the shooter, killing Pierce Schwartz, before turning the gun on himself.
Both of the teens, 15, were found dead in a Upper Kirby apartment at River Oaks along Buffalo Speedway, near West Alabama Street, around 5 p.m
“It’s a very sad scene. You have two 15-year-olds who are dead,” said Assistant Chief Henry Gaw of HPD.
Based on the earlier reports: the boys were found in the home of Yeargain, discovered by his mother, who admitted there have been struggles with mental illness.
The gun recovered from the scene belonged to the family living at the apartment, Gaw said at the time. Later, it was confirmed that the firearm was a family owned gun, purchased legally.
The school district gave a statement after the apparent murder-suicide:
The Houston Independent School District is saddened to learn about the tragic deaths of two students from Lamar High School that occurred off-campus. We extend our deepest sympathies to each student’s family and friends, as well as the school community. The district is making grief counselors available at Lamar to assist school administrators and students.
Pierce Schwartz
From Pierce’s obituary:
Pierce Edward Schwartz, 15, of Houston passed away on November 8, 2018. He was born to Katherine Schwartz and Eddie Guillory on August 13, 2003. Pierce attended Edgar Allen Poe Elementary and then went to Pin Oak for middle school. Becoming a trumpet player in the band at Pin Oak launched his love of learning about music. Soon he began to learn how to play the guitar. He began his freshman year at Lamar High School and was happy to be reuniting with several of his friends from Pin Oak and Poe.
Pierce had a way of capturing a person’s heart no matter their age. Through his love of the outdoors, fishing, and music he greatly enjoyed sharing what he knew. Since he first learned to fish, around the age of 5, he could talk endlessly about any species of fish. He was eager to learn, so if someone mentioned one he didn’t know then he was a quick study.
Pierce was many things to many people. As small children, he and his sister were not only close in age, but were each other’s favorite playmate, as they grew up he became the protective big brother to her. Even though he and his older sister lived far apart he always looked forward to all of the fun they would have when he went to visit her. He looked up to and admired his two older cousins as they all grew up sharing many adventures together. Then, to his 3 year old cousin, Pierce was his hero because he was the force that made the goodies come out of the piñata at his birthday party. To his friends, Pierce was there to offer encouragement to achieve their endeavors, to brighten their day, and be the very best friend every kid deserves.
Pierce’s striking blue eyes were beyond special, you could see his beautiful heart and soul through them. They made everyone who met him, love him, and remember them.
He is preceded in death by his father Eddie Guillory and his grandfather, Curtis Guillory.
He is survived by his mother Katherine, his sisters Paige and Alexis, grandmothers Nancy and Jeannine, grandparents Ed and Susan, loving aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his family he will be missed by many friends and classmates.
In Lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice in honor of Pierce.
