A 16-year-old suspect is dead after shooting two other students at Evergreen High School, an incident that drew hundreds of law enforcement officers after a 911 call reporting an active shooter at around 12:24 p.m. Wednesday. Here’s what we know so far.
In wake of Evergreen High School shooting, 1 teen remains in critical condition
Where was the shooting?
The Sept. 10 shooting happened at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colo., a mountain town about 35 minutes away from Denver in Jefferson County.
Itap not clear where the shooting started, but investigators have found areas inside and outside of the school where shots were fired, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley said.
How many are injured or killed? And who are the victims?
Sheriff’s officials on Thursday said Desmond Holly shot two of his schoolmates — including 18-year-old Matthew Silverstone — before turning the revolver used in the shooting on himself. Desmond later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Silverstone’s family issued a statement through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon requesting privacy.
“The family appreciates the community’s concern and support, but as we remain focused on our loved one’s recovery, we respectfully request privacy as we continue to heal and navigate the road ahead,” the statement said.
Sheriff’s officials said later Thursday that the family of the second victim, who has not been publicly identified, sought privacy, and that the agency would not be releasing a photo or family statement.
Paramedics took both victims and Desmond to CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, where Desmond later died from his injuries.
As of Friday morning, the two students wounded in the Wednesday shooting at Evergreen High School remain in two separate hospitals in critical condition.
One student is in CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood and is in critical but stable condition. The other person was moved from St. Anthony to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora and was in critical condition Thursday.
One victim was shot inside the school and the other was shot in the street behind Evergreen High while attempting to flee, police said.
Who is the suspect?
The boy who shot two schoolmates and himself at Evergreen High School was identified Thursday as 16-year-old Desmond Holly.
Desmond lived with his family in a sprawling mountain home tucked away on a private lane near Kittridge, property records show. His parents did not immediately return requests for comment Thursday.
“He’s radicalized by some extremist network,” said Jefferson County spokeswoman Jacki Kelley. She said that radicalization was shown in information found in Desmond’s phone and home, but offered no other details.
Social media accounts that appear to be connected to shooter Desmond are littered with references to mass shootings and antisemitic views.
Desmond used a revolver during the attack and brought “quite a bit of ammunition” with him, Kelley said.
Who is Evergreen High School shooting suspect Desmond Holly?
Why?
Investigators had not been able to interview the shooter sufficiently to determine whether he knew the other two victims, Kelley said, adding that they would have to speak to hundreds of students to piece together what happened.
Kelley said Wednesday the investigation will focus on the suspect, including his locker, car, home and social media, to learn more about him.
Colorado school closures
Classes were canceled for the rest of the week at Evergreen High School after the shooting shook the school on Wednesday. Another eight Jefferson County schools were closed Thursday in the Conifer and Evergreen articulation areas, according to Jefferson County Public Schools.
Closures include Evergreen Middle School, Wilmot Elementary, Parmalee Elementary, Conifer High School, West Jefferson Middle School, Elk Creek Elementary, Marshdale Elementary and West Jefferson Elementary.
Classes canceled at Jefferson County schools after Evergreen High School shooting
Resources for Evergreen High School students, faculty, family
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office victim services unit plans to operate a resource and information center at the old location of Bergen Meadow Elementary on Thursday and Friday, according to the agency.
The elementary school at 1928 S. Hiwan Drive in Evergreen served as the reunification center for families and students on Wednesday.
Victim advocates, mental health professionals, victim compensation representatives and school personnel will be at the center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, sheriff’s officials said. The center is open to students, faculty, family and community members.
This is a developing story and will be updated. The Denver Post does not report off of police radio traffic, which can be unreliable. Our information will generally come from officials and eyewitnesses and, at times, other media with a track record of accuracy. In fast-moving situations like this, authorities sometimes alter their statements in the wake of new information. The Denver Post will update the story as quickly as possible to correct any errors.
