Saugus High School shooting victims: Coroner identifies 2 teens killed by classmate in Santa Clarita
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- A 16-year-old boy pulled a semi-automatic handgun from his backpack at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita on Thursday, fatally wounding two classmates and injuring three others before shooting himself in the head on his birthday, authorities said.
The five victims and the gunman were transported to hospitals after the shooting, which prompted multiple lockdowns, a massive response from deputies and paramedics, and shock throughout the community.
One boy was released from the medical center while two girls remained hospitalized in good condition. The suspect in the shooting succumbed to his injuries Friday afternoon, according to officials.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, portraits of the young victims began to emerge:
Dominic Blackwell
Fourteen-year-old Dominic was identified by the Los Angeles County coroner's office on the day after he died at the hospital.
A friend, Anthony Martinez, shared photos that show him and Dominic when they played on the same youth football team in 2015.
One photo shows Dominic smiling joyfully. He is clad in his green and gold Outlaws uniform and surrounded by teammates.
"On November 14, 2019, this world lost a bright, shining light... personified by a goofy laugh, cheesey smile, and a huge, caring heart. He was taken from his family and friends in the most senseless of ways," said a statement on a GoFundMe page set up for him. "His three brothers will miss their big brother greatly, and his parents' dream for him will never be realized."
Gracie Anne Muehlberger
Gracie's name was released by coroner's officials and her parents, who gave her nickname as "Sweetpea."
The 15-year-old girl was among those shot in the quad area of the campus, in a shooting that investigators said lasted all of 16 seconds. She had celebrated her birthday on Oct. 10.
"It is with the most unexplainable brokenness that we share our Gracie went to be with Jesus on Thursday morning," said a statement on a GoFundMe page created in her honor. "Our vivacious, funny, loyal, light of our lives, Cinderella, the daughter we always dreamed to have, fiercely strong and lover of all things fashionable - was our best friend. She is going to be missed more than words will ever be able to express."
Addison Koegle
The day after the shooting, Addison's father publicly identified her by her first name and released two photos of her, one of which shows her smiling in a hospital bed amid her recovery. A Tigger stuffed animal is on the bed with the 14-year-old.
An undated second photo shows her wearing a formal dress and standing in front of a Christmas tree.
Addision, one of the two remaining students hospitalized following Thursday's shooting, was released from the hospital Saturday.
Her family released the following statement, which reads in part: "We are pleased to let our community know that our daughter is now home, recovering from injuries sustained on November 14 at the Saugus High School shooting. We are deeply appreciative of the love and support we have received and thank our community for their caring as we grieve with our friends and family."
Mia Paige-Tretta
A family member confirmed to Eyewitness News that Mia was injured after being shot in the hip.
Additional victim
The identity of the other injured student has not been disclosed.
He was described as a 14-year-old boy who was released from the medical center within hours of the shooting.
The two surviving girls, Addison and Mia, are expected to be able to go home soon, hospital officials said.
Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial continued to grow at Central Park, just down the street from the school. Piles of flowers, notes and balloons could be seen left behind for the two innocent lives lost. A group of therapy dogs were at the park to held mourners. A massive "Saugus Strong" vigil at the park was planned for Sunday night with thousands expected to turn out.
'Saugus Strong:' Makeshift memorial set up at Santa Clarita park to honor teen shooting victims
