The three teenage students who were fatally shot by a fellow student at their Michigan high school were identified on Tuesday night. Investigators have revealed that the shooter’s father purchased the gun just four days before the tragic incident.
Tate Myre, a 16-year-old “standout” football player at Oxford High School, was among the victims who died in the horrific shooting. Myre died from his wounds on the way to the hospital in the back of a patrol car, officials say.
The two other victims were 17-year-old Madisyn Baldwin and 14-year-old Hana St. Juliana, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
“This kind of thing can happen anywhere and sadly it happened even in a sweet quiet community like Oxford,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael J Bouchard said at a Tuesday night press briefing.
“I just left Oxford high school after a detailed walk-through and examination of the scene and evidence, Bouchard continued. As I reflect on the day, it is one that is filled with overwhelming sadness. My heart aches for families that will never be the same and a quiet sweet community that had its innocence shattered. I have seen far too many bodies and death in my career, but children’s are always the worst. I am super proud of our team as they continue to work through the night and I know the work they did this day saved lives. It is also evident from the scene that the lockdown protocols, training and equipment Oxford schools had in place saved lives as well. I will close this day with more prayers, as we will be back at it in a couple of hours. “
The 15-year-old shooter, who is a sophomore at the school, also injured seven other students, ranging in age from 14 to 17, and a 47-year-old teacher. According to authorities’ report, three of the wounded students, a 15-year-old boy, and two girls, ages 14 and 17, remain in critical condition.
The shooter was unharmed and taken into custody in the school hallway by officers who showed up at the scene within 2 to 3 minutes of the first 911 call reporting the gunfire.
A fellow Michigan high school football player described Myre as a junior running back and middle linebacker on the football squad and beloved athlete in the area.
“He was a standout player. He inspired many people and was loved by many people,” Matt Johnson, 17, told The New York Post.
The teenage boy who carried out the shocking attack was in police custody at a juvenile detention center and on suicide watch, according to authorities.
During the Tuesday night press briefing, Michael J Bouchard said the shooter has retained a lawyer at the direction of his parents and refused to speak with investigators.
The handgun used in the shooting was a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol that the boy’s father purchased on Nov. 26, Bouchard said.
Police believed the boy fired off at least 12 shots and had taken three 15-round magazines with him to school. The shooter concealed the weapon and ammunition in a bag that was later discovered by canine units.
A search warrant was immediately executed at the teen’s home, and investigators retrieved several items, including the shooter’s cell phone, Bouchard said.
According to Bouchard, deputies will present the case to the local prosecutor, who will decide on the charges. It is still unclear why the boy fired the shots. Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe, however, said during an earlier briefing that online conspiracy theories and rumors claim that the attack had been planned.
