EDITOR'S NOTE: Shortly after police began investigating the murder, they named Holland resident Claudio Estrada, 23, as a suspect and told the public he was believed to be armed and dangerous. Detectives now believe some witnesses provided misleading or false information to police that led to identifying Estrada as the suspect. He has since been released from custody in Texas.

HOLLAND TWP. — Police are investigating the murder of a 14-year-old boy Saturday morning in Holland Township. Police suspect the shooting could be gang-related.

Captain Mark Bennett, of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, said deputies were dispatched to the Hampton Inn, 12427 Felch St., just after midnight Feb. 16 on a report of shots fired.

When police arrived, they found a 14-year-old boy who was shot. He was transported to Holland Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Bennett said.

Police identified the victim shortly after noon Saturday as Troy "TJ" Wells Jr., of Holland. He had suffered from multiple gunshot wounds.

Wells was an eighth grade student at West Ottawa Public Schools' Macatawa Bay Middle School, said Todd Tulgestke, assistant superintendent for instructional services.

"He was recently enrolled with us since November, so he has not been with us long," Tulgestke said. "It's a difficult situation for our staff and students. He was charismatic, full of energy."

Tulgestke said Wells got to know many students in his short time with the district, and the district's crisis team would be meeting Monday to prepare to help grieving students and staff when school resumes Tuesday. School counselors at the middle schools and the high school will be on hand. Macatawa Bay Middle School Principal Kristin Graham has been in contact with Wells' family.

A forensic autopsy will be performed at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Bennett said.

Prior to his transfer to West Ottawa Public Schools, Wells was a student at Holland Public Schools. Superintendent Brian Davis called Wells' death "a tragic loss" in a statement to the district.

"The shooting death of 14-year-old, Troy "TJ" Wells — a former member of the Holland Public Schools family — leaves us all shocked and grieving," Davis wrote. "We extend our deepest sympathy to Troy's family and friends. There are no words that can adequately express our shared grief in the face of such a tragedy."

Just before noon Saturday, Bennett said police were seeking 23-year-old Claudio Estrada Jr., of Holland, as a suspect in the shooting. Estrada was described at 5 feet 10 inches tall, 130 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was 284 W. 22nd St., Holland.

Bennett said Estrada was wanted for open murder and felony firearm charges. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Information should be submitted to mosotips.com or call 1-877-88-SILENT.

This incident does appear to have some gang relationship, Bennett said, however the extent of that information is still under investigation.

Bennett told WOOD TV-8 that two groups of people rented rooms inside the hotel for a party. A number of minors attended that party.



Bennett said there was some sort of altercation that led to the shooting in a hallway inside the building. Police say a number of people took off who may be connected to the shooting. The hotel has been searched and no other victims have been found.

Bennett said more information would be released to the media as it became available Saturday.

— Follow this reporter on Twitter @SentinelAudra.