Home › News › Local News
Student shot in class
Download this story as a podcast!
Dana Rene Bowler / Star staff Julie Foreman embraces her son Enzo Staganro, 11, with his older sister Taryn Staganro, 14, at their side Tuesday at E.O Green School in Oxnard after the shooting.
Video: Shooting at middle school
Students, parents reunited after shooting
Slowly, students are released to their parents after a student was shot by another student at E.O. Green middle school in Oxnard.Watch now »
School shooting at E.O. Green
Parents wait for kids to be released from Oxnard's E.O. Green middle school after a student was arrested for shooting another student in a classroom.Watch now »
What happened
An eighth-grade boy was shot in the head by a classmate Tuesday morning in a computer lab at E.O. Green School in Oxnard. The victim was in serious condition but improving late Tuesday. The suspect was caught shortly after the shooting. Police said both students are 15 years old, but they refused to release their names Tuesday. Other students in the class identified the victim as Lawrence King and the shooter as Brandon McInerney. The two apparently were involved in an ongoing dispute, students said. The school was locked down for much of Tuesday, with hundreds of worried parents waiting to pick up their children.
Log on to Ventura County Star.com for updates to this story as well as videos and more photos from the scene.
RELATED STORIES
- School shooting victim's family speaks about his death, life
- Student wounded in school shooting pronounced brain dead
STORY TOOLS
More from Local News
UPDATE: The 15-year-old student has died from his injuries. Read the story here.
An eighth-grade boy shot in the head by a junior high classmate Tuesday in Oxnard — the first school shooting of its kind in recent Ventura County history — was expected to survive, authorities said.
The shooting occurred about 8:30 a.m. in a computer lab at E.O. Green School at 3739 South C St. shortly after students had arrived at school, police said.
About two dozen students were in the lab working on projects for their English class when a boy shot and seriously wounded a classmate, police said.
Other students in the class identified the victim as Lawrence King and the suspect as Brandon McInerney. Oxnard Police would not confirm the names Tuesday but said the two students involved were both 15 years old.
The suspect was caught shortly after the shooting, police said, while the school was "locked down," with students kept in their classrooms. The victim was taken to St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, where he was in serious condition Tuesday in the intensive care unit, police said.
Hueneme School District Superintendent Jerry Dannenberg said "it's my understanding that the victim is alert and well in the hospital and talking to police."
News of the shooting traveled rapidly as students used their cell phones to call and text message parents and one another. Long before the school notified parents, dozens were standing outside the yellow police tape that cordoned off the school, waiting for information about the shooting and when their children would be released.
"I can't believe this happened here at this school," said Linda Phelps, who left work and went to Green after her 14-year-old son told her about the shooting in a text message.
Students who witnessed the shooting said they began their day as usual in Dawn Boldrin's English class. They then walked to the computer lab to type up reports, said student Luis Arevalo, 13.
Arevalo said he was working on a report when he saw a classmate pull out a gun and shoot King. Boldrin screamed, and the boy shot King again, then left the room, Arevalo said.
"It happened very fast," classmate Gilberto Granados, 13, said. He said King was shot once in the back of the head and then again in his back.
Police quickly arrested the shooter several blocks away, Oxnard police spokesman David Keith said.
Police would not disclose the number of shots fired, the exact type of gun used or how it was obtained. The shooter "had what looked like a small, black gun," Granados said.
Granados and other students said the victim and suspect were involved in an ongoing dispute and had an argument Monday.
Boldrin's mother, Marilyn Noorda, said her daughter shepherded the students into another class after the shooting. Noorda said her daughter was worried the shooter would return.
"Her first priority was to keep the kids safe," Noorda said. "She loves teaching, and she loves those kids."
Principal Joel Lovstedt said school counselor Dave Rodriguez rushed to the computer lab after the shooting and started administering first aid immediately to the victim.
"I think he may have saved the boy's life," Lovstedt said of Rodriguez.
The fear around campus was heightened when several news organizations mistakenly reported the shooting victim had died.
Police and school officials worked throughout the day to determine a possible motive for the shooting. They said it was an isolated incident rooted in a personal dispute.
"The two knew each other and may have had some type of conflict," said Assistant Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites, adding that authorities were still interviewing more kids.
On Monday, the suspect allegedly told a female friend that the victim was "having his last day," said language arts teacher Carol Short. The friend is a student in her class. During the lockdown, the friend was overwhelmed with guilt because she hadn't told anyone about the comment, Short said.
Short said the suspect used to be in her honors English class. She did not identify him but said he was "a bright kid."
The suspect's grandfather, William McInerney, said he had no idea where his grandson might have gotten a gun. He said his grandson has lived in his Oxnard home for a couple of years and is a good kid.
"I don't know why he would do something like this," the grandfather said.
Authorities Tuesday had not determined what exact charges would be filed, Keith said.
Several students at the school said the victim sometimes was the butt of jokes because of his nonconformist behavior and style of dress.
"He didn't care," said Matthew Puga, a seventh-grader. "He'd say, I am what I am.'"
Tuesday's shooting was the first that administrators and parents could remember in the Hueneme School District. "We've never had this type of violence at one of our schools. We're as shocked as the parents," Dannenberg said.
It apparently was the first time in recent county history that one student has shot another on campus.
Police shot and killed a gunman at Hueneme High School in Oxnard in 2001 after he fired shots and took a female student hostage. In 2005, a campus police officer at CSU Channel Islands in Camarillo shot and wounded a 17-year-old boy after a struggle in a dormitory.
Oxnard Mayor Tom Holden called the shooting at Green a "tragic event to happen on any campus and more tragic to happen in one of our neighborhoods."
Holden said he canceled all his morning meetings at City Hall after City Manager Ed Sotelo told him of the shooting around 9:15 a.m. Holden said he headed right to the campus and spoke to parents as they waited to learn if their children were safe.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with the boy and his family," Holden said. "As a parent of three boys and knowing the fear and uncertainty that every parent faced sitting outside that fence, that's an experience that should not occur."
About 1,150 students attend Green. Hundreds of parents waited for hours outside the school under a hot sun to pick up their children.
The line of parents stretched across two sides of the school's athletic field. News helicopters buzzed overhead throughout the day.
City officials and clergy, some of them from Naval Base Ventura County, spoke to parents and urged them to remain calm during the long wait.
Janie Vargas and Jamie Olivares walked off campus late Tuesday morning, tightly holding their 12-year-old son. "I just hope the child who got hurt is OK," Janie Vargas said.
District officials said classes at Green will resume today, and a crisis team and counselors will be on campus to help students and employees. Because of the shooting, the district canceled a regional spelling bee scheduled Tuesday at Blackstock School.
Educators asked parents to look for signs that their children might need help dealing with the shooting, saying they have a list of community agencies that can provide assistance. For more information, contact the school at 488-8750 or http://eogreen.huensd.k12.ca.us.
— Star staff writers Cheri Carlson, Charles Levin, Rob Varela and Zeke Barlow contributed to this report.
Posted by msblltprf2 on February 13, 2008 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome to the 21st Century, Oxnard...guess its time to put up metal detectors in front of those golden gates leading to better Education and Opportunity. Its a sad day, but clear reality, when we need to start checking what Jr.'s packing with his lunch, ya think? I bet its safe to say he didn't find the weapon in a trash can...and for those of you who want to play the gang or race card, get the facts before you start assuming. Neither one were an issue here, this behavior is learned, not inherited.
Posted by Jocko on February 13, 2008 at 5:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is amazing that officials, parents and such will be shocked. With all of the violent video games, movies and such these kids have been watching, the negative music that many listen to, and the extreme media coverage that these incidents bring seem to all encourage this type of acting out. From road rage to school, church, mall shootings, to shootings of officers and domestic violence, it all seems to be related to the break down of society.
Posted by sluggo on February 13, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What are 15-year olds doing in 8th grade?
Posted by lhernandez on February 13, 2008 at 6:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow!! I guess It wasn't children from immagrant workers after all or children of ex gang members like a lot of people were assuming yesterday. Simple minded people
Posted by msblltprf2 on February 13, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sluggo - it's 15 not 25, don't be so judgmental. Who knows what kind of red flags were flying here...that's the ADULTS responsiblity to notice. It's a little late to go back and check. It's time to address it and try to prevent it from every happening again. Obviously, the kid has issues. I bet he's not the only one there who does...especially now.
God help us.
Posted by msblltprf2 on February 13, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
adam.roland where did you get YOUR information? Did I mention anything @ law enforcement or city council? Excuse me, but your on a soap box that makes suds not sense. People like you need to find something better to do than try and read between empty lines.
You're weird.
Posted by Ms_California on February 13, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is very possible that you can have a 15yr old 8th grader... it depends on when the child's birthday falls related to the age requirement for kindergarden and it is not uncommon for parents (especially parents of boys) to hold their children out a extra year before putting them in Kindergarden due to immaturity or just plain not ready for school yet. I don't think that the question of "what is a 15 yr old doing in 8th grade' is really the question we should be asking ourselves.. we should be asking how did a 15 yr get a hold of a gun and why was he so upset that he thought shooting another human being was the right way to handle his feelings. Parents need to be more involved in the lives of their children and be proactive to their needs and actions.
Posted by rjeremy on February 13, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now,are school vouchers still a bad idea?
Posted by ThePredator008 on February 13, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So much for the gang theory you people wer 100% sure on. It just shows how ignorent you people can be to point the finger at gangs so quickly.
Maybe you people will think twice before pointing fingers before you know the story.
Posted by captainbob on February 13, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A lot of people showed their true colors yesterday on this board blaming the shooting on illegals and/or Mexicans. Time for a good serving of crow all. Eat up.
Posted by captainbob on February 13, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like a Bully went way too far. If the Bully allegedly told a female friend that the victim was "having his last day," that is PREMEDITATION and the Bully should be prosecuted for murder as an adult. Also, if the motive was because of the victim's sexual orientation, that is a HATE CRIME.
Ventura County needs to learn more TOLERANCE of other races, religions, gender and sexual orientation.
Just say NO to Bullying!
Posted by ThePredator008 on February 13, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those of you that thought it was gang violence i hope you learned your lesson because you are realy poor excuses for humans. You people sicken me how you can point the finger without knowing the story. Its people like you who don't deserv to live in america with your judgment isues and racial profiling. I hope you learned your lesson.
Posted by mantiger808 on February 13, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is a shame that this student was shot; it is more shame that all the hatemongers used this incident to attack Hispanics and immigrants, like they always do. It's a school shooting;look at the statistics. 99% are by white kids, but ignorant racists always find a way to twist the facts and make it about ethnicity.
adam.roland.....uh, what?!
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on February 13, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
captainbob,
Even though I didn't comment on the shooting, illegal aliens would be the first thing most people would assume because of the issue in this city. Just because it wasn't in this case doesn't mimimize the hundreds of times a gangs (especially hispanic gangs) were involved in violent crimes.
Maybe you should donate your money to police organizations instead of whine about tolerence.
Example:
If purple people were involved in 90% of the violent crime then people would want to do something about the purple people issue. Its a natural reaction to protect their family.
Now go back and stick your head in the sand.
Posted by sandypants83 on February 13, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
captainbob, why would he be prosecuted for murder as an adult when there was no murder committed?
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on February 13, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My last comment also applies to predator and mantiger who appear to love their gangs.
They sure put us sane people in our place by making no point at all.
Posted by captainbob on February 13, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Comment at 7:50 a.m. should read "attempted murder". Thank you Sandy.
vcex11, thanks for your suggestion. I do not have my head in the sand. There is a gang problem. That is obvious to everyone, including me. I don't think any rationale person that has children likes gangs or wants them in their community. I certainly don't.
My comment is that a lot of people on this board showed their true colors yesterday and immediately blamed it on illegals and Mexicans. The easiest targets. There are problems in all communities.
I do support the police, and I do support TOLERANCE. They are not mutually exclusive.
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on February 13, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mantiger808,
Where did you get your statistics (99% white kids). I know - you made it up. Who is the racist twisting the facts?
Posted by ThePredator008 on February 13, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
vcsexplorer,
Over the last 10 years 95% of the school shootings have been white people and 5% have been asian.
So the first thing i thought ( and i was right ) was that it was a white kid even though race has nothing to do with peoples idividual decisions i can't help but to "white person" when i hear about school shooting.
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on February 13, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Captainbob,
I agree, because my first thought was that it was just a kid that was being bullied (like many school shootings) not any certain race.
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on February 13, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Predator,
Like mantiger808 I have to ask.
WHERE ARE YOU GETTING YOUR STASTICS?
Point me to a website or report.
Posted by shaver_one on February 13, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We still don't know much more than we did yesterday...except for the unconfirmed names of the shooter and the victim. We don't know whether they were white, black, purple or any combination of these. We don't know if it was gang related. Every ethnic group in this county has 'gang representation.' Not all gang members are of Mexican heritage. So, everyone...take a step back, and calm down. It does nobody any good to speculate, on one side or the other. It was a tragedy.
As far as what to charge the kid with...How about premeditated attempted murder.
His family says he was 'a good kid.' Good kids don't shoot people in the back of the head, execution-style, and then pop another cap for good measure.
And, treat him as an adult. 15 years old is old enough to know better.
Posted by ThePredator008 on February 13, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
vc
Well i remember about 15 school and public place shootings. Including schools and places like the Mall.
And 14 of those wer white people and the asian as you may remember was involved in the West Virgina shooting.
Posted by letg58 on February 13, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mantiger808
THANK YOU, U SAID IT ALL AND WELL STATED!
GOD BLESS ALL FAMILIES INVOLVED.
Posted by ThatsRubbish on February 13, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OK people lets calm down and remember that a teanager has been shot. It really doesn't matter who shot him. This country has a problem with violence and needs to be controlled. I wish I had the answer for controlling it but, we all need to look for the answer. Maybe we should just take the time to say hello to a stranger, help out someone in need or the like. Turning this tragedy into a race or he said she said will not help at all.
Lets all think about the child in the hospital fighting for his life.
Posted by Split on February 13, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by AnnaWhaat on February 13, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
msblltprf2 ,I agree! Time for metal detectors!
captainbob ,While I do agree with you. The victim here did not die so they cant prosecute for murder. Attemped YES!!! On the news station I listened to last night it said he was shot three times in the back of the head.....one of the bullets exited out the front and two are lodged in the brain and the young victim is in an induced coma.
Right now instead of commenting on race issues we should be praying for the victim of this shooting and the family and friends and all who had to witness this terrible attempted murder...Also Thank the other teacher who rushed in to give aid to the victim that probably saved his life.
Its obvious this shooter has issues!! BIG TIME ! I hope he isn't just sent to CYA until he is 21. This is a very serious crime!!!!!!
Posted by theonlycapsfan on February 13, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yet ANOTHER school shooting...yet ANOTHER reason my children will be homeschooled...
"'I can't believe this happened here at this school,' said Linda Phelps, who left work and went to Green after her 14-year-old son told her about the shooting in a text message."
Um...why not? It seems to be the trend across America in recent years...why not here too?
"It apparently was the first time in recent county history that one student has shot another on campus."
Oh, well then...in that case, I'll have no problem playing Russian Roulette with my kid's life by putting them in a school where this kind of thing hasn't happened in "recent county history."
Nevemind that it CAN and DOES happen everywhere...and yes, even in places where it's less expected to happen.
Quick, where do I sign up for that risk??!!
Posted by networkalias on February 13, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like the shooter was verbally harrassed and abused. School administrators have been turning their back on cruel language between children for too long.
Posted by Ms_California on February 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
theonlycapsfan....
Does this mean that you are not planning on letting your children drive a car or walk across the street... more people are killed in car accidents then are in school shoots every year.
I agree the school shooting numbers are senseless and are far too many. I get concerned every time I hear news like this with regards to my children in public school. I think that gun related violence is something that will never be a non issue. Americans want to keep their guns, so with that being said we need to communicate with our children and teach them how to act and respect one another. There really should be programs at schools that help children deal with bullies or just plain anger issues. I don't think we have those, if we do then there is not enough being done. Phone hotlines would be an idea of kids giving back to kids and helping them through bad times. These kids show signs of problems brewing before they take drastic measures to resolve them. We need to take good long looks at our children and be responsible parents with them. Keep guns out of their reach (and I don't mean height wise)and talk to them honestly about things in their lives.
Posted by ThePredator008 on February 13, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do you people sound so shocked?
Do you get shocked everytime a person dies due to a car bomb in the middle east?
Posted by jbees805 on February 13, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In the midst of the terrible things that seem to be happening more and more often, I find it flat out sad that a group of people, most likely "Adults" continue to use this website and it's comment section to bicker back and forth as if they were in the forth grade.
I don't know these people, I don't care to know these people. These people need to calm down and be grateful to the fact that we do actually live in a very nice place. These type of things happen all over the country. White, Black, Brown, Asian: EVERYONE. I would hope that all the people who jumped the gun yesterday and blamed the Mexican Gangbangers for this have a bloody tongue. Now I bet all of you are assuming that I am indeed Mexican. Nope. I am a Jew. A very tolerant Jew. We all live in a world surrounded by terrible things, but try living in Israel for a few years.
Posted by serenity_805 on February 13, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is very easy to point the fingers at Mexican Immigrants and gangs. Unfortunately, we all have to respect each others opinions, not because they are right, but because as a society, it’s what we should do. On the other hand, I can see why people would suspect immigrants and gang violence…and before you begin to judge, let me make my points. Immigrants come here with their children to make a better life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, it’s the areas where gangs mostly live that are the lower income areas so that’s where they migrate to. The immigrant children, not knowing what the norms are for the U.S. assimilate to those who seem ‘cool’ or ‘hard’ so that they will not be tortured and tormented with by biased racist people, such as some of those who have posted here already. The parents are foreigners and I’m sure where they came from, there wasn’t a book on how to raise children, just like there isn’t one here. So when you think of it, they are hit with a double whammy, to say the least. In order to conform to our society and their new world and home, they have to do what they feel is best for their children. And that is work. How funny that most of us posting wouldn’t even think of doing the strenuous labor the immigrants do in order to provide for our family. Yet, we criticize them for trying to make a better life for themselves and point fingers saying it’s their fault there is violence. If in fact it is immigrant children running around shooting people, isn’t it because its what they learn from those who are already here? So that just begs the question, if in fact it is immigrants doing the wrong, who is really to blame???
Posted by mantiger808 on February 13, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
vcsexplorer11, Illegal aliens would be the first thing to come to mind of ignorant people. C'mon, school shooting = illegal aliens? I am not into gangs at all, in fact I am a retired LEO who has seen the results of gang violence up close and personal. My point is that they are not the only source of violence and murder in our society. Look at Armando,s post. you will see a gallery of eight perpetrators of school shootings. Seven of them are white...I'm not that great at math, but I think that's about 99%. I don't condone violence of any sort, and I also don't condone racism of any sort.
Posted by dy on February 13, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The shooter was White and the victim was Mexican. The shooter was known as a bully around school and as recent as Monday was picking on the victim. Witnesses say that he punched the victim on Monday and was constantly teased and punched by a group of boys (the shooters friends).
Posted by daugtherofimmigrant on February 13, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
knock, knock, I am looking for "Smithdd, Relaxpeople, hotwildflower, and snash" those were the four who had the odds, in gangs, immigrant children, and being bullied". Yesterday I was so upset at all the comments that were being written, all those negative comments made by you adults were horrible, you four were discribing yourselves and not these children, so sure you were right!Assuming it MUST have been gang related or it must have been from immigrant ("ignorant") parents like some of you described. Don't you just wish you would have just waited to see who was the victim and the person who decided to pull the trigger. I come from immigrant parents, they worked their butts off day and night, most times my brothers and I were left alone at home because they worked so much, all to give us everything we needed/wanted, yes we were offered drugs at school, to be in gangs, it could have been so easy to take that route and blame it on "parental negligence or lack of parenting" (like some have described) we chose not to do such thing for the love and respect that we have for our parents, our parents worked so hard and we could not fail them in such way. With our parents examples we learned that we have to work, and work hard to earn peoples respect and respect every human being around us. We know as Immigrants and children of, we have to work even harder to prove we are not as bad as people like to describe us, but the key word is "choose". We all have our mind and choose what we will become. Our parents have no control, now I am a mother of a 15,12,10 and a 2 year old and can only hope and pray that my children will choose the right path. our kids are so easily influenced by anything and everything but they know right from wrong at the end of the day they will decide which path to take.
Posted by readerone1 on February 13, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone want real news?
I just got word from someone inside the hospital that the boy 14 just had a brain hemerage and is now brain dead. They plan to donate his organs and are waiting on a release to do so.
ps: sources say, the shooter was 13.. So you can all stop quibbling about the age thing.
Posted by serenity_805 on February 13, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just wanted to point out that wikipedia isnt too much of a reliable source only because it can be altered by just about anyone who chooses to do so. Im not saying the statistics are wrong, I'm just suggesting be leary of the site for solid information. Other then that, Armando, I completely agree with you! I love it here! Thats not saying I feel completely safe, but can you really feel entirely safe anywhere?
Posted by serenity_805 on February 13, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
daugtherofimmigrant, we have a lot in common. I have four boys, the same age as yours except my younger son is already 8 years old. Also, my father was an immigrant and I came out just fine (or at least I'd like to think so). However, I was born and raised here... and yet, I never gave in to gang violence, drugs and have never been arrested! Go figure... I am in school working on my Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology so I can work with young adults to help guide them in the right path when they feel lost. Hopefully I can make a difference in just one persons life and if that's the case, the time and money I'm spending on my education is well worth it!
Posted by DrcGrl on February 13, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ThePredator008, why are you defending gangs so much. Gangs are the scum of the earth. With the information that we had yesterday, it is natural for people to begin blaming low lives like gangs.
Posted by DrcGrl on February 13, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ThePredator008, You said "You people sicken me how you can point the finger without knowing the story." AND "So the first thing i thought ( and i was right ) was that it was a white kid even though race has nothing to do with peoples idividual decisions i can't help but to "white person" when i hear about school shooting."
Aren't these two statements a little contradicting? You comment about the people pointing at gangs, but yet you had your finger pointed in your preferred direction.
Posted by theonlycapsfan on February 13, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms_California,
"theonlycapsfan....Does this mean that you are not planning on letting your children drive a car or walk across the street... more people are killed in car accidents then are in school shoots every year."
Obviously I can't protect my children from every possible tragedy in the world. But, as long as I can help it, I will certainly do *everything* and *anything* in my power to protect them while I still have the power to do so.
That includes knowlingly institutionalizing them in an environment that is growing increasingly more hostile and threatening.
Posted by Ms_California on February 13, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well capsfan, don't let them out in the sun, breathe the air or eat any fruits or vegitables... I am not attacking or denying that your values or beliefs are wrong and I understand the full value of protecting our children but when one has to resort to them living in a bubble that to me seems a bit much. Trust me I will protect my kids with every ounce of my being but they have to be able to live as children and have normal lives. Making our children afraid of doing normal day to day activies to me seems lifeless and selfish. They need to be taught and trusted to make the right choices in life which includes being in social activities with peers of their own ages. To be naive is a terrible thing.
Posted by mandynathan on February 13, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shame on the Star for printing the names of minors.
Posted by laurathepimpmama on February 13, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I AM MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER AND MY CHILDREN'S MOTHER.
YES, I TOO AM A PRODUCT OF IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME TO HAVE A BETTER LIFE IN THIS COUNTRY. I TOO GREW UP IN A ROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD AND HAD TO DEFEND MYSELF WITH MY FIST A FEW TIMES. I TOO WAS LEFT ALONE WITH MY
SIBLINGS BECAUSE MY PARENTS WORKED. MY MOTHER BEFORE COMING TO THIS COUNTRY HAD NEVER WORKED IN HER LIFE. SHE WAS FROM A WELL OFF FAMILY , BUT MY FATHER WAS VERY POOR SINCE HIS CHILDHOOD. SO MY MOM
HAD TO WORK HERE TO HELP MY FATHER MAKE ENDS MEET. SO SHE ROLLED HER SLEEVES UP AND WENT TO WORK IN THE STRAWBERRY FIELDS IN OXNARD. MY FATHER WORKED IN A CELERY PACKING PLANT. IT WAS HARD TIMES FOR US, WHEN WE FIRST CAME HERE, WE HAD CELERY BOXES FOR A TABLE AND CELERY BOXES FOR CHAIRS AND ON OUR FIST CHRISTMAS WE HAD THE SMALLEST TREE YOU CAN THINK OF. YET I HAVE TO GIVE MY LOVE AND PRAISE TO MY FATHER WHO WAS ALWAYS INVOLVED IN MY LIFE, WHO I TIRED OF HEARING HIS ADVICE AND HIS DREAMS FOR ME AND MY SIBLINGS.
WHOM I SAW CRY WHEN HE NARRATED HOW POOR HE USE TO BE AND HOW HE WANTED BETTER FOR US. THAT IS WHY PEOPLE I DIDNT JOIN THE GANGS, NEVER DID DRUGS, NEVER INTENTIONALLY HURT ANYONE AND ALWAYS ALWAYS STOOD UP FOR THE UNDERDOG.. THAT IS WHAT I LEARNED FROM MY PARENTS.. SO PLEASE THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE IN ALL GROUPS , THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE , THERE ARE BAD PEOPLE , THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO DONT CARE.. IN ALL GROUPS!!! THE TRUTH IS WE ARE ALL BELONG TO THE HUMAN RACE!! LET'S FOCUS ON THE KIDS,ON OUR KIDS, LET'S TEACH THEM THE VALUE OF COMPASSION AND HUMILITY. LET'S SPEND TIME WITH THEM, TALK TO THEM ABOUT THEIR DREAMS. HOW MANY OF US KNOW OUR CHILDREN'S DREAMS? HOW MANY OF US HUG AND KISS OUR CHILDREN EVERY DAY.. EVEN IF THEY ARE TEENAGERS.. ? PRAY FOR OUR CHILDREN, PRAY FOR THE HURT LITTLE BOY IN THE HOSPITAL AND THE ONE THAT COMMITED THE CRIME... BUT LET'S LOOK INTO OURSELF AND START OUT IN OUR OWN HOMES FIRST AND FIX WHAT IS BROKEN THERE FIRST BEFORE WE POINT FINGERS.. JUST MY OPINION
Posted by msblltprf2 on February 13, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am embarassed that I ever bothered posting to this site. I thought it was reserved for comments not banter or bickering back and forth. Most of you guys need to find a chat room or discussion spot to snivel about gangs, races and poverty status. This is a GUN CONTROL issue, something that has crossed all boundaries-regardless what you are...
Posted by laurathepimpmama on February 13, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
YES, IT IS ABOUT GUN CONTROL BUT IT IS ALSO ABOUT THE BREAK DOWN IN COMMUNICATION IN FAMILIES..
Posted by hotwildflower on February 13, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
daughterofimmigrant, I admit that I did jump to conclusions that it was gang related and I also admitted I was wrong and apologized. I only mentioned gangs...not immigrants. Sorry, just a little tired of the gang violence in Ventura County and I jumped to a conclusion that it was yet another act of violence by them. They are our local terrorist groups. Obviously, that has nothing to do with this story at hand.
I just pray, as well as everyone else, that this child makes a full recovery. No child deserves this and no child needs to fear going to school.
Posted by laurathepimpmama on February 13, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I THINK THE REASON THAT I NARRATED A BIT OF MY BACKGROUND BECAUSE I WANTED TO MAKE THE POINT THAT IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT SURROUNDED ME AND WHAT WAS OUTSIDE MY HOME BECAUSE INSIDE I HAD TWO LOVING PARENTS WHO CARED ENOUGH TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN MY LIFE.. I WANTED TO SAY THAT BECAUSE I LOVED MY PARENTS AND BECAUSE I RESPECTED THEM AND BECAUSE I NEVER WANTED TO HURT THEM BECAUSE I KNEW THAT IF I DID SOMETHING BAD THEY WOULD GET HURT, THAT THAT IS WHY I ALWAYS THOUGHT TWICE ABOUT DOING BAD THINGS AND MY PARENTS ALWAYS CAME TO MY MIND. SO I AM TRYING TO SAY IS THAT THE BREAKDOWN IN FAMILY COMMUNICATION IS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS THINGS LIKE THIS SHOOTING HAPPENS ... JUST MY OPINION
Posted by ebrockway on February 13, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If anybody "jumped to conclusions" about the shooting being gang related, it's probably because of all the gang violence in all cities, which is undeniable unless your heads are buried. NO WAY it could've been gangs I suppose?
Well this time it wasn't, but next time it may well be so the time to act is now, not after some kid lies bleeding in a hallway in one of our schools. Whether gangs are involved or not, metal detectors would stop a lot of the weapons from coming on campus.
adam.roland as usual you are on another planet. I respond as if you actually read what others write instead of scanning pages looking for anybody with a pro-cop bias.
Beam him to deep space Mr Scott!
Posted by Ms_California on February 13, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
laura,
ur name cracks me up! and BTW I hug and kiss my kids constantly and I have teenagers!
Posted by laurathepimpmama on February 13, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MS_CALIFORNIA YEAH MY TEENAGER THOUGHT IT WAS FUN TO SET MY ACCOUNT UP WITH THAT NAME.. I KINDA GOT USE TO IT..
I AM HAPPY FOR YOU, WE SHOULD ALL GO HOME AND GIVE OUR KIDS HUGS AND KISSES AND TO THOSE WHO ALREADY DO, MAYBE JUST A LITTLE MORE TODAY.. IN REMEMBERANCE THAT WE CANT TAKE THEM FOR GRANTED!
Posted by sslocal on February 13, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
msblltprf2, gun control issue? Lets see here, the kid should not have had the gun. In fact it was against the law for him to have it without a parent/adult supervising. It wa against the law dor him to have it on school grounds. It was against the law for him to use it against another person in the maner he did. Lord knows how many other laws he broke.
What type of gun control, exactly, do you propose?
Posted by why on February 13, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are we in a chat room or debate room?
Neither!!!!! Those of you who are chatting, u are redicules and those of you who are debating, run for government and do something about. This is not a chat or debate room. Have some respect for the family who is going throught this. I'am sure they care less if he was a black, white, brown or purple illegal gangmember. Everyone has a story to tell save your stories so when you write your book.
Why not just say a prayer for the family and the poor child and hope that you don't ever find yourselves in the same situation.
Posted by laurathepimpmama on February 13, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why you seem to be debating and fighting and arguing all at the same time.. if you dont like it dont read it and if you think it's offensive suggest it to be removed but save yourself some trouble and aggravation and leave the sight.. nobody is forcing you to stay...
a prayer for all the children of the world..
Posted by laurathepimpmama on February 13, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the child has died..
my condolesence to the family..
may you have strength and fortitude in your time
of grief...
I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted by ojaifishinggirl on February 13, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perfect example to homeschool kids! This and many other reasons are why the homeschool percentage is growing everyday.
Posted by theonlycapsfan on February 13, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ojaifishinggirl...
My thoughts EXACTLY!! ;-)
Ms_California: I can tell you already we will never agree on the subject of public schooling...that's okay. I just have very strong views against it, *personally speaking.* It's not just the safety issue either...but you and I come from 2 completely different schools of thought, (pardon the pun), so I'll just "agree to disagree" with you... ;-)
Posted by lxgnzls on February 13, 2008 at 11:45 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. If they kid was allegedly gay who has the right to kill him. Oxnard wake up. Its ok to talk about sexual orientation to children and say people are different but you don't need to kill them.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on February 14, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
daugtherofimmigrant,Great comment and very intelligent.!!!!
serenity_805 ,Good luck! We need more people in the world like you!
laurathepimpmama ,Very good comment!
Again my prayers to ALL effected by this terrible crime. Even to the shooters family I send my prayers. We do NOT know the life they lived or have the right to condeme them.
Posted by peabody123 on February 15, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw no dark behind the smile from which I received sweet solace. I felt so right wrapped in the walls of his blue eyes…. So bleak.. he was always there to be strong when I fell to be weak.
Try as I might to forget the sight of his innocent painted face on the front page……. Torn with disbelief .. The devastation from his rage. Many sad cries, for it was him they despised, claimed his actions told no lies. I knew he was no killer….just confused .. just abused by the fact that he had lost himself .
His day started out like any other. A hug from a friend and a kiss from his mother… no one could foretell the disaster that would soon follow after.
His face remained as stone … he felt cold and alone.
Soon he was delivered to his school…. A place he loathed to attend but thus his final hour crept, soon would be the end.
He sat at his computer , as a silent ticking time bomb.. It wouldn’t be long until he finally cracked under pressure.
He approached his target cautiously.. Circling it .. Watching its every move …. A rush of energy consumed him… he was heated and powered.. With but one aim .. To prove he was no coward..
In his hand he held a gun … he released his frustration and fired .. All that was left to do now was to drop the gun and run for in his heart he knew it had to be done.
Brandon’s life will never be the same .. His picture of a perfect life never fit the frame.. Dreams of being happy never really became.
See the reaction of one ignorant decision of assault with a gun or with a knife…you could end up like Brandon ……. With 50 years to life.
R.I.P Larry King and may our hearts rest with you.
~Amber J. Butler
(Requires free registration.)
Article discussions on this site are to support community debates of issues related to our stories and editorials.
Discussions should not stray from the subject of the story or editorial.
We do not allow the following:
We reserve the right to delete threads and/or ban users for these or other reasons we deem necessary.
Opinions are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.