Family of murdered Houston teen seeks justice as investigation continues

HOUSTON – A month has passed since Aaden Bailey, a 15-year-old Houston boy, was shot and killed, and his family is still waiting for justice. The incident occurred on a night marred by several teenage shootings, and Bailey’s loved ones are grappling with the harsh new reality of his absence, especially as the new school year begins.

“It was very difficult. Starting school was very stressful because I knew he wouldn’t be going to 10th grade,” said Andrea Marshall-Cook, Bailey’s mother.

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Bailey, remembered as an outgoing and kind-hearted teenager with charisma, was unexpectedly killed on a night when arguments over money turned violent.

“Just to be clear, my son was not asking for any money from anyone. All we know is that a fight broke out and he and another person were caught in the crossfire,” Marshall-Cook clarified.

As the investigation progressed, the family received limited information about the details of the shooting and the possible suspect. No arrests have been made to date, leaving the family sad and frustrated.

“It goes from great sadness to anger because nothing has happened yet. So we need that to happen so we can get some closure and move in the right direction,” said DeRoy Cook, Bailey’s stepfather.

“Going on every day is a struggle. Going on without him is a struggle, and we don’t want any other parent, any other family, any other person to have to go through what we’re going through,” Marshall-Cook said.

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The family remains determined to fight for justice for Aaden.

“We hope for justice, the right justice for my son and all other sons. We hope that this man will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Marshall-Cook said.

Gun violence among teenagers in the city of Houston is a concern for Bailey’s parents and is why they believe something must be done.

“Something has to happen immediately. I don’t know what, but I know we have to bring it back to the parents,” Marshall-Cook said.

As the family faces another day without Bailey, they continue to seek closure, but say it won’t be possible until justice is served.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation, something we definitely weren’t looking forward to. I know we don’t want closure, but we need closure, and that’s where it’s going to start. Someone has to be held accountable for this,” Cook said.

The Houston Police Department continues to investigate the shooting and urges anyone with information about this case to contact HPD’s Homicide Unit at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.