High School Graduate Fatally Shot at Texas Party After Confronting Armed Teen
Recent graduate Andrew Farias fatally shot during Texas party; suspect Chad Lee-Gardner arrested in Austin.
A graduation party in Uhland, a suburb of Austin, Texas, turned tragic when a fight broke out, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old graduate. Authorities have identified the victim as Andrew Farias, who had celebrated his high school graduation just a day prior to the incident.
According to investigators, the altercation began around 1 a.m. on May 25, after the homeowner instructed guests to leave. Witnesses reported that two girls at the party started arguing, allegedly over "making faces" and comments directed at each other. The situation quickly escalated, drawing in other attendees.
During the dispute, Chad Lee-Gardner, also 18, reportedly intervened and struck the female homeowner on the head with a pistol. When Farias attempted to confront Lee-Gardner, he was shot twice. Paramedics responded to the scene, but Farias later died from his injuries.
Lee-Gardner fled the scene before law enforcement could arrive, prompting a search by Uhland police officers and Texas Rangers. He was later apprehended in Austin and taken into custody on suspicion of murder.
Farias, who had played both cornerback and running back for his high school football team, was remembered by family and friends as a promising young man with plans to attend Texas State University in the fall. His sudden death has left the community in mourning, with relatives describing their loss as devastating and unexpected.
Authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to the shooting, while Lee-Gardner awaits official charges. Meanwhile, the San Marcos High School community is grappling with the loss of one of its recent graduates as they call for justice and remembrance for Farias.
