In a chilling act of violence, a 14-year-old student opened fire at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, on Wednesday, killing two teachers and two fellow students, told People. The incident, which left the community reeling, marks the deadliest school shooting since The Covenant School tragedy in Tennessee earlier this year.
The two educators, Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie were beloved math teachers known for their dedication to students. The two students killed were both 14 years old: Mason Schermerhorn, an autistic boy whose devastated mother shared her grief with local news, and Christian Angulo.
A total of nine others—eight students and one teacher—suffered injuries but are expected to recover, according to Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “This is home for me. My heart hurts for these kids. My heart hurts for our community,” said Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, visibly emotional during a news conference.
The suspect, who has not been named, was taken into custody after surrendering immediately. Authorities revealed that the shooter had been previously investigated for making threats of a school shooting at age 13, though no arrest was made at that time. The teenager now faces murder charges and will be tried as an adult, according to law enforcement.
The shooting has shaken the school district, leading officials to close all 16 schools for the rest of the week. Grief counselors have been made available to students, families, and staff as the community begins to process the heartbreaking loss.
“I was in chemistry class when we heard gunshots,” recounted one 17-year-old student. “Another teacher ran in and told us to lock the door—there was an active shooter”, according to ABC News.
Apalachee High School, one of Georgia’s largest public high schools with nearly 1,900 students, is now grappling with a tragedy no community should have to endure.