Posted by mgh19712004 on February 13, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so sad. My condolences to his family,friends and all affected by this horrific incident.

Posted by rissaronie805 on February 13, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My prayers and condolences go out to the family and the community. Let us hope that people take heed in this tragedy and that it never happens again.

Posted by lm_willard on February 13, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so sad. My thoughts are with his family, friends, teachers, and fellow students in this difficult time.

Posted by sunnbear on February 13, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So sad! What a waste of lives!

Posted by why on February 13, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My Prayers go out the family.

Posted by bexterrella on February 13, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

May God take this child straight to heaven. RIP

Posted by theclass on February 13, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh no.... I thought he would make it... sad...

Posted by damary on February 13, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prayers for his family. So especially sad that this took place in a school, where kids should be safe.

Posted by AdrianaV on February 13, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's a lump in my throat..... This is so terribly sad.

Posted by jamaro099 on February 13, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lord, we pray that You please take this child into your Loving embrace and comfort his family and those who love him.

Posted by hotwildflower on February 13, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OMG, to loose a child is my greatest fear. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Posted by incgnta on February 13, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so sad. I heard from someone that he had been removed from the home, apparently not a good situation there, and he was happy located in another area. He's had a tough life and it seems when things start looking up for him this happened. May God rest his poor soul.

Posted by Hueneme1961 on February 13, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RIP :( Prayers to his family,friends, and everyone.wish i could hugg you all.

Posted by Hueneme1961 on February 13, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RIP :( Prayers to his family,friends, and everyone.wish i could hugg you all.

Posted by interested on February 13, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How tragic, how did that boy get a hold of a gun?

Posted by sydney on February 13, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolences to the family! now they need to charge the punk that did it as an adult and give him the death penalty.

Posted by keysersoze on February 13, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.

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Posted by 805grl on February 13, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh wow I thought maybe he could pull through and make it! RIP kid...

Posted by caseyp94 on February 13, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I send my prayers out to this young childs family. My God bring you peace in this hard time.

Posted by jill on February 13, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a tragedy. May Larry rest in peace.

Posted by Parentof2 on February 13, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cannot imagine the pain all of you are suffering. My heart is broken for both families, their friends, the students and the staff. This is truly a tragedy. It makes me cry. : ( and should have never happened. He is with God now and in a much better place. PEACE to all.

Posted by high_society on February 13, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so sad. May justice be served for this senseless act of violence.

So so sad.

Posted by OxnardNative on February 13, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing and I mean NOTHING this poor child did caused him to deserve to die. The shooter needs some real help and obviously the parents are not the ones to provide whatever it is he needs. How terribly sad this is. Chalk up another prop for Oxnard too. How about those metal detectors in the schools now? I would say it's about time now, huh?

Posted by bcplus7 on February 13, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really thought this boy would make it. So sad to hear that he didn't. May he rest in peace and his memory shine down on his family to help them thru this difficult time.

Posted by high_society on February 13, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's not about bringing in metal detectors. How about parenting and paying attention to your children? The shooter had obvious issues dealing with anger.

If it wasn't a gun, it could have been a knife.

I hope he gets what he deserved and may he have fun being locked up, hopefully, for a long, long time. He doesn't deserve freedom.

Posted by daisy7859 on February 13, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This child has died way too soon...

I worry about kids these days not learning how to deal with conflict and resolution. If you have a problem, violence doesn't make the problem go away.

Lets all look at this tragedy and take some time to talk to our children about any concerns they have socializing with classmates, any problems they are having, or just sit and tell your kids that you WANT TO LISTEN TO THEM! A lot of children are trying to solve their own problems in the wrong way; we need to help them develop basic problem-solving skills.

Posted by carebear on February 13, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't even begin to imagine what this boys family must be going through right now. I too have a 15 year old son so this hit very close to home. I also feel very sorry for the other boys family. There is a very rough road ahead for everyone involved but at least they can still see their son everyday. Rest in peace Brandon.

Posted by acabrera on February 13, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Daisy7859... through the grief and anger, we need to do what's best for our community and for our children... that is clearly not metal detectors or vengeance.

They need to feel loved and accepted. We cannot control every place where kids will be, including homes, but schools should be HATE FREE ZONES. We need to take conflicts like these students had seriously and allow them the space and give them the training to learn how to deal with it.

Posted by carebear on February 13, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sorry, I meant Rest in Peace Lawrence.

Posted by daisy7859 on February 13, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brandon was the shooter, he is still alive. Lawrence was the victim that just passed away. You should say rest in peace to Lawrence.

Posted by zoezoe on February 13, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This young boy's death brought tears to my eyes and sorrow to my heart. He is in my prayers.

Posted by stikkelman on February 13, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a parent who has also lost a child in a car accident at 17 years of age, all I can say is I pray God will take this family, and lift them up in this very hard time of need. No parent should lose their child, and I am so very sorry.
God Bless

Posted by ironwoman on February 13, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the shooter gets life in Prison, not life in juvenile court...he needs to be charged as an adult. To shoot someone in the back of the head and back, you would have to be a cold blooded person. He doesn't need help, he needs to be out of this society.

Posted by OFD_Wife on February 13, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rest in Peace Larry. I will miss your smiling face as I will also miss our morning "debates". You were a kick. The heavens have a bright new star and I will see it, and think of you!!!

Posted by eduardocenter on February 13, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RIP -- I wish guns could be somehow limited to some system of identification.

Posted by rainbowstar702 on February 13, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it sucks sooo bad... i went to a continuation school and nothing like this ever happened in the 3 years i was there. its heart wrenching to think that this is what kids are doing to each other now.
my prayers and thoughts are with the victims family.

Posted by spokenit on February 13, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cant imagine what the parents of the shooter must be feeling. There goes their kid. What was he thinking? I feel for the vicitms family also,, so dont jump people. Can you imagine saying goodbye to your child in the morning, going off to work and getting this call from either side? God help the families.

Posted by DoSomething on February 13, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm so sad for this child and his family and the people who took care of him. I see a lot of people on here saying Talk to Your Children... and it works. He will be able to live on in whoever is fortunate to receive organs from him, while the other will never drive a car, never go to prom, never graduate high school etc. Kids don't think, they react and as parents we need to teach them the consequences of life. At that age to just be able to shoot someone like that is crazy. Hopefully if his parents have other kids they have learned from this and refuse to let it happen again. RIP ANGEL

Posted by Erkine_Childers on February 13, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish there were no guns period. I also find it disgusting about all the news media since yesterday claiming he was dead before any official statement was released. And as for catlovers statement, which is so easy to make, I would argue that this kid needs a lot of help. He is what he is: a kid.

Posted by Erkine_Childers on February 13, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As for metal detector, could help, but if someone has their mind set on bringing a gun to school, they'll find a way around the detectors. The school is surrounded by field and chain-link fence. If you can keep the kids away from that fence, maybe. If not, a gun or other weapon could easily be smuggled onto the campus.
Either way, if someone really wants to hurt someone bad, they'll find a way to do it- gun or no gun. I think focusing on communication and problem-solving would be a more effective tool than metal detectors.

Posted by Tom_Johnston on February 13, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry folks, close range headshots are pretty bad usually. A coup de grace to boot.

It's a terrible thing, the waste of two young lives, one who passes on, the other whose future is ruined to say the least.

I can't help but think that there are at least two significant factors at play here, one being the easy access to a firearm, an easily hidden handgun, and the other the sensationalism these tragic stories present in the media.

The handgun owner, if negligent should face very serious criminal charges. The media should stop, and ponder the effect such stories have on our community, especially those like this shooter, who may well be inspired or emboldened by prior media coverage of such devasting tragedies and the quick adrenaline rushe that "fixes" this "remedy" has for personal conflicts with other people.

Harsh I know, but both topics need to be a part of the discussion of events such as this.

My condolences to the King family...

Posted by HLP on February 13, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CONDOLENCES TO THE KING FAMILY AND MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TOO ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF LARRY KING. HE IS IN GODS HANDS NOW. RIP

Posted by ReinadeRoma on February 13, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

May the peace that passes all understanding envelope and comfort everyone who feels this tragic loss. As a high school teacher, I have watched adolescents act out and react in ways that are modeled for them at home; there´s very little that we in the school environment can do to counteract parental modeling (or non-modeling.) All we can do is strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment while young people are in our care. Then many of them go home to horrors most of us can only imagine. This tragedy has very little to do with safety precautions at school; rather it is a lesson to all adults to mentor and to be good role models of tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution to as many young people as we can.

Posted by emma2006 on February 13, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My prayers go out to the family of the little boy that died. It really infuriates me that our kids cannot go to school and be safe without being used as a target by some "loner" who can't control his anger. They say that children are our future. We sure are in a lot of trouble then if this is what it comes down to...kids killing kids and absolutely no respect for life.

Posted by noel on February 13, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolences to the King family and friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved. I don't know the circumstances or reasons, but it should have never come to this. God bless..

Posted by amimariap on February 13, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families, ESPECIALLY the King Family. Both lose a son, one to the next life and one to a life behind bars. I can imagine the pain the King family is going through with the loss of "Larry". (I also had a young nephew killed). I can't imagine the confusion and offense the shooters family is going through as well. They may also be innocent victims of this horrible act. I hope that the King family seeks counseling (POMC - Parents of Murdered Children is very helpful; if anyone knows them please pass this on.) More than anything, I hope they lean on God to get them through this. My prayers and empathy/sympathy are with them.

Posted by lola on February 13, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolences to the King Family, I am so sorry about your loss, my prayers are with you.

Posted by theonlycapsfan on February 13, 2008 at 8:54 p.m.

(This thread was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by mebegsus on February 13, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WE should remember that it was a "PERSON" that did this and not the "GUN", I think the best thing we can do, is make sure we know that it's people that need "fixing",it's people that do the "repairs" we don't need metal detectors, but we can use some responsibility, so I say this to everyone,and especialy to PARENTS, OUR KIDS CAN ALWAYS USE MORE OF OUR ATTENTION, MORE LOVE.
(to Larry: I'm so sorry, Love be with you)

Posted by 2KooL4U on February 13, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This truly is a tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to the King family. I am so sorry for your loss - I just cannot express in words the sadness and hopelessness I now feel.

Posted by santabarbarasand on February 13, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so sad and needless. It is a situation that has society to blame and that includes parents, teachers, media, etc. It takes a village to raise a child they say and it also takes a village to keep them safe. Schools are not as safe as they once were and we hear often of violence there that should be preventable. As the story unfolds we will probably learn that there were teachers, friends, family and adults that had seen warning signs in this boy. Actually, one of these articles said that the shooter had told a friend something prior to the shooting about it being the guys last day. As a whole, society needs to accept responsibility for these failures in our children. We as a whole need to create better examples and provide avenues to keep all children safer, not just our own but all of them.

According to KEYT.com, this is the story:

Police report that the victim of the Oxnard school shooting is brain dead.
Police say 15-year-old Lawrence King was talking following surgery that left him in critical condition. Then sometime last night he suffered a stroke and lost consciousness and took a turn for the worse.
This news is a devastating blow to classmates at EO Green Jr. High and for those at Casa Pacifica, where King was living. He lived at this residential care facility for neglected, abused and at risk children.
Prosecutors still waiting for the case say if there is sufficient evidence of a murder charge, the 14-year-old will be tried as an adult.

Officers are still looking for answers to a student involved shooting that occurred at E.O. Green Jr High Tuesday morning in Oxnard.
The 14-year-old suspect is expected to face murder charges and may be arraigned in court on Thursday.

On Tuesday shots were fired around 8am in the computer lab, injuring the 15-year-old victim, in English class. The shooting may have been a hate crime.
Students report the victim wore female clothing and this is a possible motive for the crime, however officials haven't confirmed this.

The school was locked down after the shooting. Parents were later allowed to pick up their kids around 11am.
The school is offering counseling to students who witnessed the shooting or are affected by this.

Posted by vlo on February 13, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FIRST OF ALL ID LIKE TO GIVE ME CONDOLENCES TO THE KING FAMILY...

ITS SUCH A TRAGEDY TO LOOSE A LOVED ONE ESPECIALLY YOUR YOUNG CHILD. I PERSONALLY THINK PARENTS OF ALL NEED TO PAY MORE CLOSE ATTENTION TO THEIR KIDS, LIKE ASK THEN HOW THEIR DAY AT SCHOOL WAS, IS THERE ANYTHING BOTHERING THEM, ETC. ON AN EVERYDAY OR EVERY OTHER DAY BASIS.

I DONT HAVE KIDS YET BUT I THINK ITS A GOOD IDEA TO STAY ON TOP OF THINGS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILDREN, KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THEIR LIVES OUTSIDE OF HOME, PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THEM AND MAYBE WE CAN PREVENT THINGS LIKE THIS. YEA SURE WE CAN PUT A METAL DETECTOR IN EVERY SCHOOL IN EVERY CITY, IN EVERY STATE AND EVERY COUNTRY BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PARKS, BEACHES, MALLS, SKATING RINKS, BOWLING ALLEYS, ETC. WHERE KIDS TEND TOHANG OUT, (NOT GONNA HAPPEN)

I JUST WISH THE BEST FOR BOTH FAMILY THEY BOTH LOST A SON, ONE PASSED AND ONE OFF TO PRISON, THE PRISON LIFE IS SUCH A SAD WAY TO GO...

WELL IM A LEGAL SECRETARY AND KNOW MOST LAWS SO WELL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH THIS CASE!

Posted by coachAl on February 13, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as a person who has tried always to coach and mentor many children from many backgrounds, it saddens me to no end that this hate can permeate at such a young age and surface as mindless violence. we really need to hold these kids more accountable for the actions they cause upon society and stress that behavior like this will not be tolerated, regardless of age. I`m not suggesting capital punishment for pre-teens, but on the same token, we cant have our youth going with the mindset that society can only lock them up till their 18th birthday. it is common knowledge with these youths that the judicial system has a soft spot for even the most vicious of teen offenders. this is where we as decent society have to urge our lawmakers and enforcers to inform these wanna-be gangmembers(yes the perp was a wanna-be gangmember-skinhead) that brutal behavior will be met with harsh punishment.
I dont know if what I say really makes too much sense, because my heart is so heavy and filled with grief for the family of the victim, so thanks for letting me post this and maybe we can help the family overcome their grief.
god bless

Posted by lxgnzls on February 13, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolensnces. This was a hate crime I hope the families get the support from the appropriate agencies and legal departments. If officials don't want to talk about tolerance & acceptance of peoples differences at schools, More hate crimes will continue. Lawrence you were a hereo in my eyes and I wish I had been your bodyguard @ school to protect you from bullies.

Posted by Camman on February 13, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very sad. Does anyone else thing the Star is taking a HUGE liability risk by releasing the name of the shooter before the police have positively identified him? Especially since he is a minor? I mean worse case here, the Star says Joe Blow, 14, shot the kid. The angry older brother of the dead kid kills Joe Blow in retaliation. Come to find out it was someone else other than poor dead Joe that shot the kid and some teenagers who are probably in shock or want revenge on some kid tell the Star it is Joe Blow...

Posted by creativityunleashedmagic on February 14, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all I would like to say my condolences to the mother and father of Larry King whose life was cut short by a senseles act of hate that should of never taken place. Larry King rest in peace sweet Angel.
My daughther goes to E.O. Green and knew Larry, the previous week she was telling me about her friend Larry and how they met, at how when they first started talking and becoming friends he told her he was gay and asked her if she would have a problem with being friends with him because of that, my daughter said "absolutely not of course I will still be your friend" and his response was "thank you, other people judge me because of that" and gave her a hug. This was obviously a child that my daughter was becoming good friends with. I have taught my child to accept others and that God loves everyone gay or straight, black, white, brown, green ect. When I read that Larry passed away and I went and told my daughter we both held each other and cried my child is devastated. Larry did not deserve this but he is and Angel now,and Brandons nightmare is just beggining, This was a premeditated hate crime other children are talking on campus saying Brandon was bragging about how it was gonna be Larrys last day in school. Brandon should be tried as an adult he his definitely a cold blooded killer and doesnt deserve to just go to juvy untill he is 18 but should after his 18th birthday be send to a regular prison for the rest of his life.Brandon will definitely suffer a lot more brutality in prison than what Larry suffered after the shooting. May God have mercy on his soul because I dont.

Posted by lsgranberry on February 14, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is the Star giving names of minors?

Posted by Erkine_Childers on February 14, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wouldn't worry to much about the Star 's liability. Just about every news station and paper have been releasing both names.
Has anyone else thought of the paradox here? Apparently the shooter killed this boy because he was gay. By ending Larry's life, he has virtually ruined his own life. Obviously Larry had a troubled life, and from now on, the shooter's life revolves around trouble. And not to mention that the very same reason that the shooter apparently killed Larry(for being gay) is the thing that he will most likely be experiencing in the years ahead in prison. I feel so bad for Larry and his family and friends, and anyone else involved in his life. But for some reason, I can't help but feel sorrow for the killer too. He took a life, and lost his own in the process. Too sad all around.

Posted by my2sense on February 14, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gringo_Istmeno:
Couldn't agree more with your ending remarks.
Both lives are lost. Sometimes in seeking revense you only did 2 graves, 1 for the other person & 1 for yourself.
I think if I were Brandon I might rather be Larry right now....

Posted by ElVaquero on February 15, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My condolences go to this family for their loss...

But, as a student journalist, i am disappointed in the fact that this news story was devoid of truth.

According to GLSEN, Lawrence was "reportedly the victim of bullying based on his sexual orientation and gender expression."

How come we're not seeing this in the story? This is vital information that can help the fight against bullying in schools!

Truly disappointing...

Posted by thumpery on February 16, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

El Vaquero:
Media can only report what is divulged to them. This community should be grateful that police and officials hold information "close to their chest"--out of respect for family members involved and to protect the potential prosecution of the trial to come---which is very unlike major city officials who can't wait to get in front of a microphone or TV camera to babble away. These clowns jeopardize criminal cases by divulging too much information to the media/public and it's a disgrace.

My bigger concern is this:
WHERE WERE THE PARENTS OF THE 15 YEAR OLD SUSPECT?!
I have grown children.....they did their share of shenanigans as they were coming up.....but when they broke a neighbor's car window accidentally---I took immediate responsibility and ran over with my check book to "make it right" and pay for what they had done.

If a child is a minor--- and he is driving a car and he causes damage to city or personal property----the parents are held financially responsible.
If a child vandalizes school property or gets drunk behind the wheel and injures someone---the parents are financially responsible.
Why is it then if your child commits a felony crime like murder---the parents are not held financially responsible?
The rest of us must now pay for this alleged teen killers' food, housing, medical, dental and psych care for the rest of his life. As taxpayers we will even have to pay for the free education he is eligible to receive in prison.

Folks----until the parents are held financially responsible for ALL of the actions of their minor children---this kind of criminal behavior will continue...and increase.
No one pays the consequences.....but us taxpayers. This 15 year old suspect has NO IDEA what going to big boy prison REALLY means......but his parents do---and their bank accounts should be drained and personal property seized--- to pay for this kid's "rehabilitation" in prison.
Killers are getting younger and their parents/grandparents just shrug and say "I have no idea where he got that gun!?"