A Texas teen charged with murder was caught after he allegedly used Snapchat to post a video of himself at the crime scene.
ABC7 reports that 17-year-old William Underwood is accused of shooting Ryan Bates, 19, at a Copperfield area apartment complex at 750 Point Park Drive, on July 16. Police officers who responded to the scene noted that the victim had several gunshot wounds. He subsequently passed away from his injuries.
According to prosecutors, Underwood, who goes by the nickname “Ziggy,” posted a Snapchat video of himself driving by the crime scene. Investigators were seen in the background of the video, according to police.
“The video depicts Ziggy, a white male, filming himself as he was driving by the crime scene as law enforcement was conducting their investigation,” the prosecutor said during a hearing this week.
A witness told police she spotted Underwood holding a Taser and looking into cars. She said the suspect used the Taser on her car before spotting Ryan in the parking lot.
Underwood then got into the victim’s car, repeatedly used the Taser on him, then shot him several times, according to the witness.
“She could see the white male repeatedly tase the driver. She then stated the door closed and she heard multiple gunshots,” the prosecutor added.
Afterward, a second man arrived and while pulling a hoodie over his face, reached into Ryan’s car, prosecutors said. He then allegedly left with “something in his hand.” The man’s identity has not yet been revealed.
Chron reports that when investigators detained and questioned Underwood, he claimed he thought the victim was going to shoot him, so he fired first. He reportedly said he grabbed a Taser from Bates’ cupholder and used it after he saw the victim reaching for it.
The suspect said he met Ryan on Snapchat and set up a time to buy marijuana. Prosecutors said that Underwood changed his story several times.
Underwood was arrested on August 8 and charged with murder. Underwood’s lawyer entered a plea of “not guilty” on his client’s behalf.
“Our client has entered a plea of not guilty. We believe this is a self-defense case and look forward to presenting it in the courtroom,” defense lawyer Jed Silverman said. “He’s extremely upset about the situation. His family supports him and is behind him … and we look forward to receiving the evidence in this case.”
Underwood was initially given a $250,000 bond, which has since been reduced to $75,000.
Check back for further details.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Here is the latest episode:
[Feature Photo: William Underwood/Police Handout]
