Vernon Gordon Jr.Photo:Vernon Gordon/Facebook
Vernon Gordon/Facebook
The victim killed in the Louisianaschool shooting on Tuesdaywas identified as a 16-year-old football player, according to several news outlets
Vernon Gordon Jr. died after he was shot at St. Helena College and Career Academy in Greensburg. He was the nephew of the school’s principal and son of an assistant football coach, reportedWAFB. Two others were injured in the shooting, including one student who is still hospitalized, according to a statement from theschool district.
A 14-year-old student was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated second-degree battery and two gun charges, according to WAFB. The suspect has not been publicly identified due to his age, the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
Chief Deputy Joe Cheney toldWAFBthat “bullying” is believed to be the motive for the shooting, though he did not specify who was bullying whom.
On Tuesday, a student with multiple gunshot wounds walked into a hospital at about 3:30 p.m., sources toldWBRZ. The victim told staff he had been shot at the school and there were more victims, according to the outlet.
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The parish school district said in a statement that a football game scheduled for Thursday was canceled. Instead, a balloon release will be held in the football stadium.
“A senseless tragedy that we have seen on campuses around the nation struck here at home,” the statement reads. “What should have been a routine afternoon dismissal Tuesday at St. Helena College and Career Academy, turned into a day that has shaken our close-knit community. But we are strong — we are St. Helena Strong — and as we mourn, we are also taking steps to bring our community together around ensuring the continued safety and well-being of our schools, learners, and employees.”
Grief counselors are being offered for students at the school. Classes have been canceled until Friday. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwardsreleased a statementexpressing condolences to the community of Greensburg, which he used to represent in the state House of Representatives.
source: people.com
