HIGHLANDS RANCH (NBC) – The student killed in Tuesday’s shooting at the STEM School Highlands Ranch is being called a hero for his actions just before his death.
NBC News reports Kendrick Castillo, 18, was killed in the shooting. His classmates say he died while trying to tackle one of the suspects, two other students also joined in the effort.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has ordered all flags lowered to half-staff on all state buildings and properties to honor victims of the shooting at the STEM School in Highlands Ranch. Flags should be lowered immediately until sunset on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
In an interview on the TODAY show, one of his classmates described the scene in the classroom.
“The next thing I know, he’s pulling a gun and he’s telling nobody to move,” said student Nui Giasolli. “And that’s when Kendrick lunged at him, and he shot Kendrick.”
Giasolli said his actions and the actions of several other students helped give the other students in the room a chance to run to safety.
One of those students, Brendan Bialy, was one of the students who helped Castillo tackle the gunman, according to Giasolli and the Bialy family.
Castillo was the only person killed in the shooting. Three other victims, all students at the school, are being treated at intensive care units at Denver area hospitals. Five others who were hurt in the shooting have been released from the hospital.
We’re learning more about the acts of heroism inside the school yesterday. We will update this link as we learn their stories.
