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Two of four students shot dead outside the Benito Juarez Community Academy in the southwest of the city on Friday afternoon have died, officials said.
Brandon Perez, 15, and a 14-year-old boy whose family has yet to be notified, have died, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office and police, who said they both received a ball in the head.
The shooting occurred at 2:45 p.m. in front of the high school, 2150 S. Laflin St., on school property shortly after the layoff, according to Larry Langford, spokesman for the Chicago Fire Department and officials of school.
All four victims were students, although it’s unclear from which school, according to Langford.
One of the boys died at the scene, while the other was initially in critical condition after suffering a “traumatic arrest”, according to Langford.
Survivors included a 15-year-old girl who suffered a thigh scrape and a 15-year-old boy who was shot in the thigh and shoulder, police said.
They were all taken to Stroger Hospital and Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown, who attended an early evening press conference at the 12th District station, said their condition was serious. Brown did not confirm that they were students.
Police were reviewing surveillance video near the crime scene, but were unable to tell where the shooter had come from, Brown said.
CPS is working with the school principal to plan a response to the return of students on Monday, said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, who was also on hand.
“This includes providing crisis support, conflict support, bereavement counselling,” said CPS Chief Safety and Security Officer Jadine Chou. The school will also have increased security, Chou said.
Brown said no one was arrested.
A student from Juarez who hid in a gas station across the street to escape the cold, found himself alone with tears in his eyes. His friend had been shot, he said, and he knew one of the boys who died. “I’m just thinking about her, hoping she’s okay,” the second said.
Police spokesman Tom Ahern said around 3:30 p.m. the school announced an “all clear” after the shooting.
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At around 4:30 p.m., officers placed small orange cones to mark evidence outside the school.
They focused on a courtyard below the classrooms and between the main school buildings, near an entrance and the street.
A security guard escorted a student out of school and an administrator exited his parking lot as officers continued to search with a flashlight.
A statement from Chicago Public Schools began by saying that the safety of their school community is “our top priority.”
“This afternoon, we received reports that shots were fired outside Benito Juarez High School shortly after the dismissal,” the statement read. The Chicago Police Department and paramedics responded quickly to the scene. The CPS remains in close contact with the CPD and this incident is being investigated. “
Afternoon briefing
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“The CPS Office of Safety and Security and other District leaders are working closely with school management and staff as well as the CPD to gather information and respond to this incident. CPS will keep the Benito Juarez families informed as well as the community at large. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
On Friday evening, the school was largely deserted as police investigated.
Reactions poured in, including one from the US representative. Chuy Garcia, who said in a tweet that his “heart breaks” for the victims.
Check back for more details.
Paige Fry of the Chicago Tribune contributed.
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