Teen custodian killed in shooting after California high school graduation ceremony
Three others, including an 11-year-old child, were injured in the shooting, police said
A California community is mourning the death of an 18-year-old student who was shot and killed shortly after his graduation ceremony, with friends and colleagues revealing he was also working as a school custodian through a work-study program and was still wearing his graduation gown when he died.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday evening, June 3, following a graduation ceremony for Sem Yeto Continuation High School held at a nearby Fairfield High School facility, where approximately 1,000 people were in attendance, according to police.
Authorities said the incident left one teenager dead and three others injured, including victims aged 11, 20, and 25. As of Friday, June 5, officials had not publicly identified a suspect or person of interest.
While police have not released the name of the deceased, multiple local reports indicated the victim was an 18-year-old student who also worked as a custodian at the school through a work-study program. Friends and co-workers described him as hardworking and well-liked.
“He was a good worker. He is a funny guy. He did a really good job,” coworker Shawn Kalista told local media, as colleagues and community members gathered at a makeshift memorial in his honor.
Images from the memorial showed mourners leaving messages in chalk at the school site, including tributes reading “Fly high, angel. Forever rest in peace,” as the community grappled with the sudden loss.
Officials said the suspect fled the scene following the shooting. Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy said investigators are reviewing cellphone footage and surveillance video as part of the ongoing investigation, according to local reports.
“Sadly, [the shooter] got away, but they will get him,” Moy said, urging the suspect to surrender.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack as the community remains in shock over violence that unfolded at what was meant to be a celebratory milestone for graduating students.
