'Mistaken identity' shooting: Murder charge filed in death of Jazmine Barnes, 7, in Houston

A 20-year-old Houston man has been charged with capital murder in the death of Jazmine Barnes, a 7-year-old black girl killed in a drive-by shooting that ignited national outrage.

Eric Black Jr. admitted involvement in the Dec. 30 shooting, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said Sunday, adding that the shooting appeared to be the result of mistaken identity.

Black, who is African American, was arrested without incident by investigators following up on a tip, the sheriff's office said in a statement. The investigation was continuing and charges against other suspects were possible, the statement said.

In court Sunday, prosecutors said Black, who is African American, admitted he was driving a Kia SUV when a passenger identified as “Larry” opened fire on a car driven by Jazmine's mother, LaPorsha Washington.
Jazmine died instantly, authorities said. Washington, 30, was shot in the arm but survived. Another child suffered injuries from shattered glass. Two other children were uninjured.

"All evidence gathered so far in the Jazmine Barnes Homicide case supports investigators’ strong belief that she and her family were innocent victims," the sheriff's office tweeted.

Authorities previously had said they were searching for a white man driving a red pickup. Washington had said she believed the shooting was racially motivated. 

The tragedy prompted a hashtag #JusticeforJazmine on social media. Journalist Shaun King and civil rights attorney Lee Merritt helped spearhead a reward drive of more than $100,000 for information leading to an arrest.

A GoFundMe page set up by her mother seeking $6,500 for expenses related to the tragedy drew more than $75,000. Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins donated his game check from Saturday's AFC wild-card game to the family to help cover funeral expenses.

The arrest came hours after a rally Saturday near a Houston Walmart that drew hundreds of supporters for Jazmine and her family. The rally took place near the scene of the shooting.

"I am grateful to our dedicated investigators, the partner law enforcement agencies that provided vital assistance, and tipsters from across the nation who pulled together to support our work to get justice for Jazmine," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. "Our work is not finished, but I believe the people of Harris County can take comfort in knowing we have made great progress." 

Contributing: The Associated Press