Arlington, TX - One Dead, One Injured in Shooting at Lamar High School

School Shooting Leaves One Student Dead, Another Wounded

The Dallas Morning News reported that a school shooting occurred at Lamar High School located at 1400 W Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76012. 

On Monday, March 20, 2023, a student opened fire outside a school building, killing a peer and injuring another. According to Arlington police Chief Al Jones, two shots were fired, and a boy was struck and taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died. The victim's identity has not yet been released. Another student, a girl, was grazed by a bullet and taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. The shooter, who is under the age of 17, was identified and detained by officers based on witness descriptions and is now being held at the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center on a capital murder charge. Possible additional charges are pending. Police have not yet identified a motive.

This incident comes 17 months after a student allegedly opened fire at Timberview High School, located about 10 miles away from Lamar High. While Lamar High School has been put on lockdown in the past for gun threats, no weapons were found on campus in those incidents. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of gun safety and awareness in schools.

Justice For Victims of High School Shootings

Attorney contributor Marc Lenahan represents victims of school shootings in the state of Texas. During a recent interview, Marc shared some legal rights available for victims shot on a high school campus and their families.

"School shootings are a tragic reality that have become increasingly more common in recent years. High schools have a duty to provide a safe learning environment for their students and to take reasonable steps to prevent and protect against violent acts, including shootings. This includes developing effective safety and security measures, such as implementing a comprehensive safety plan, providing sufficient security personnel, enforcing proper building and classroom security protocols, and providing appropriate access control. Additionally, schools should provide training for students and staff to help identify and address potential risks."

"While no safety measures can completely eliminate the risk of a school shooting, a school's failure to take reasonable steps to prevent and protect against violence can have serious consequences. Victims and their families have the legal right to pursue civil remedies against a school and its staff for failing to provide adequate security and safety measures. School shooting victims and their families are encouraged to seek the guidance of an experienced school shooting lawyer to fully explore their legal options."

Sources:

The Dallas Morning News