REPORT: Self Defense? Alleged Murderer Had Handgun Before Shooting

SAN ANGELO, TX — Court documents have been released regarding the murder that landed 17-year-old Derek Carson behind bars.

Over the weekend, a shooting took place at Wild Rye Trail and Bermuda Drive that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old juvenile, only identified as "C.N."

Derek Carson, 17, was booked into the Tom Green County Jail on Saturday, May 24, 2025, for murder.

According to court documents, on that day, early in the morning, San Angelo police responded to a shooting in the 3800 block of Wild Rye Trail in the Southland neighborhood. Responding officers made contact with a juvenile, identified as "J.L.," who reported a party where the majority of the attendees were affiliated with a local street gang known as “Southside."

J.L. said he knew the defendant, identified as Derek Carson, was in possession of a firearm during the party. While speaking with J.L., the officer heard a gunshot close by his location, and later, a shooting victim was found in the west alley of the 4500 block of Bermuda Drive, about 500 feet from the officer’s position when he heard the gunshot.

Investigators spoke with another witness, identified as, J.D., who stated she arrived at the party to take the victim, C.N., home.

J.D. explained to the investigator that when they arrived, she saw the victim and Carson, also known as “D2”, arguing near the front gate of the residence. During the altercation, she saw Carson holding a black handgun. She ended up leaving with the victim and waited in the alley for someone to pick them up.

While waiting, Carson approached the victim in the alley, brandishing a handgun, and shot the victim, according to the witness. J.D. also stated she heard Carson call the victim a “b**** a** n****” before running away.

In home security footage, investigators observed J.D. pull the victim by the wrist while walking in the alley. Then, they saw a male subject, Carson, running towards J.D. and the victim with his arm extended. Carson then shot the victim once in the chest area and yelled obscenities before fleeing.

A witness positively identified Carson as the individual who shot the victim.

The victim, C.N., was rushed to the hospital but died from the gunshot wound.

Carson was booked into the Tom Green County Jail on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and is being held on $500,000 bond.