10-Year-Old Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Stabbing of 13-Year-Old Riley Dearmas; Mother Disputes Account

 A tragic confrontation outside a Houston apartment complex has left a 13-year-old girl dead and raised complex legal and emotional questions after a 10-year-old boy told investigators he acted in self-defense.

According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), officers responded around 8 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a large disturbance involving approximately 20 to 30 individuals in the 8000 block of Grow Lane, near the Northwest Freeway. When officers arrived, they found Riley Dearmas, 13, suffering from at least one stab wound.

Houston Fire Department paramedics transported Riley to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences officially identified the victim. Riley was a student at Dean Middle School, and news of her death has sent shockwaves through her school community and beyond.

HPD Lt. Larry Crowson said a 10-year-old boy at the scene admitted to stabbing Riley and turned himself in to officers. The child reportedly claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that Riley was part of a group that came to the apartment complex and began assaulting residents.

Police detained the boy briefly but later released him. Under Texas law, 10 is the minimum age for criminal responsibility. The case has been forwarded to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether charges will be filed.

Investigators believe the incident may be connected to an earlier altercation at a Cy-Fair ISD school, though details surrounding that possible connection remain under investigation.

Riley’s mother, Ashley DeArmas, has publicly rejected the self-defense claim. Speaking at a balloon release held Saturday in her daughter’s memory, she firmly disputed the narrative circulating about her child.

“There was no self-defense. My daughter was attacked,” Ashley DeArmas said. “She was not a violent person. She would never harm anyone intentionally. The narrative that’s going around right now about my daughter, that was not Riley.”

Authorities confirmed that no other injuries were reported during the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to piece together exactly what happened during the chaotic confrontation.

Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

As the legal review continues, the case has sparked community grief and debate, centering on youth violence, accountability, and the devastating consequences of conflicts involving children.

More US Obituary

1. IMPD Reviewing Officer’s Conduct After Viral Video Shows Threat Toward Teen Driver

2. FBI Releases Images of Armed “Potential Subject” in Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie Near Tucson