According to NBC Washington, a 17-year-old student of Theodore Roosevelt High School, located at 4301 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, was tragically shot and killed while walking on Iowa Avenue NW outside the school.
Shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the student was walking on the sidewalk when a green car pulled up, and someone inside the vehicle opened fire. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died.
At a news conference, police said there was a fight in the school's parking lot before the shooting, and officials found a gun there. It’s unclear if there was an exchange of gunfire or if the weapon was associated with the shooting. Witnesses said they heard as many as five shots, but the victim suffered a single shot.
Police are reviewing video footage and said it did not capture the entire confrontation. This shooting is yet another tragedy in a long list of gun violence in the D.C. area. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jefferson Perez.
Attorney contributor Laurence Banville represents victims of shootings in the greater Washington D.C area. During a recent interview, Laurence shared some legal rights available for the surviving family members of victims fatally shot on a high school campus.
"School shootings have become an all too common occurrence in recent years. The school's duty to ensure its students' safety and well-being is paramount and must be taken seriously. Schools must take active steps to reduce the risk of school shootings and other violent incidents. These steps include increased security on the school grounds, improved student mental health services, and increased training for faculty and staff on recognizing and responding to signs of potential violence.
The devastating consequences of school shootings extend far beyond the immediate tragedy. The surviving family members of those killed in such incidents often seek justice for their loved ones. While there is no easy answer to the problem of school shootings, understanding and addressing the underlying causes is essential. Schools must take proactive steps to provide a safe learning environment for their students and address their students' mental health needs to prevent further tragedies.
Victims or surviving family members are encouraged to reach out to an experienced violent crimes attorney to learn more about their legal rights. Compensation may be available to support the damages incurred."