Watch CBS News

Former Student Dexter Kelsey Charged In Texas School Shooting That Injured Principal

HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — A former student at a public charter school in Texas has been charged after confessing to shooting and wounding the campus principal, authorities said.

Dexter Kelsey, 25, confessed to the shooting Friday at YES Prep Southwest Secondary and was charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and deadly conduct in the shooting, Houston police said.

According to officials, the school principal, Eric Espinosa, 36, was treated at a hospital and later released. No students were hurt.

Dexter Kelsey -- accused Yes Prep shooter
(credit: Houston Police Department)

On Sunday, Kelsey's bond was set at $5.25 million. Harris County Hearing Officer Cheryl Diggs said Kelsey told investigators he'd planned to target a female staffer at the school.

Kelsey remained in jail Sunday. Jail records did not list an attorney for him.

Police said Kelsey fired at the school's glass entry door with a rifle to gain entry.

Espinosa, who was trying to alert teachers and students to the shooter, was struck in the lower back by one of the bullets, police said.

As Espinosa helped students and teachers flee the school, officers arrived and arrested Kelsey.

YES Prep Southwest Secondary serves students in sixth through 12th grades. Court records say Kelsey graduated from the school in 2017.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.