‘He lit up any room’: Family and school mourn teen killed at Arlington home
Family members remembered the 14-year-old boy fatally shot Friday night at an Arlington home as someone who lit up every room he walked into.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the teen as Riley Allen Jordan, and his death was ruled a homicide.
Arlington police officers responded to the shooting in the 4600 block of Sausalito Drive, near West Arkansas Lane, police said Saturday in a news release.
Officers found Jordan unresponsive in one of the bedrooms. First responders tried to save him, but he died at the scene, according to police.
Investigators determined Jordan and several of his friends had a gun and were playing with it right before the weapon went off, the release states.
“Riley was truly a blessing to everyone who knew him. He lived with an undeniable passion for football, music and working out — pursuits that fueled his energy and brought him so much joy. Above all, he loved his family and friends unconditionally, with a loyalty and warmth that touched every heart he met,” the Jordan family said in a statement sent to the Star-Telegram.
“Riley had an incredible gift for lighting up any room the moment he walked in, his smile and spirit instantly lifting those around him. He will be deeply and forever missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to share in his light,” the statement read.
Riley was a freshman at Martin High School. In a letter sent to families on Saturday morning, Martin High School’s principal wrote, “Our hearts are with the student’s family and loved ones, and with every student and staff member who is hurting today.”
The school had grief counselors available for students on Monday, and parents were asked to encourage their children to seek help if they were struggling, according to the letter.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family.
Police said the teen accused of firing the gun was arrested and faces a manslaughter charge. He was taken to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities haven’t released the juvenile suspect’s name because of his age.
Police said they’re continuing to investigate how the juveniles got the weapon.
This story was originally published February 22, 2026 at 7:53 PM.