Two teenage suspects were arrested in connection with the May 7 fatal shooting at Perlstein Park, 800 Landis Dr.
According to the Beaumont Police Department, Jean Harrell, 18, was arrested, and Demarion Smith, 18, turned himself in at the county jail. Both are charged with murder. Harrell’s bond is set at $1.2 million, and Smith’s bond is set at $1.25 million.
At 3:39 p.m. May 7, officers responded to the park in reference to shots fired and a large fight involving a group of people. Officers found 18-year-old Brannon Briggs suffering from a gunshot wound. Briggs was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A preliminary investigation indicated that a group of Beaumont ISD students had gathered at the park for a planned fight when the incident escalated into a shooting. Detectives do not believe the shooting was a random act of violence.
Cameras from the Real-Time Crime Center at the park reportedly captured evidence related to the shooting, and nearby license plate readers helped identify a suspect vehicle. The information led officers to a residence where a suspect was taken into custody less than two hours after the homicide occurred.
Police also are searching for 18-year-old Darien Harrington, who has a warrant for tampering with evidence related to the ongoing homicide investigation.
Anyone with information regarding Harrington’s whereabouts can contact Beaumont police at (409) 832-1234 or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS (8477). Tips also may be submitted through the P3 Tips app. All tips are anonymous, and individuals may be eligible for a cash reward.