Tragedy has struck the Californian city of San Bernardino yet again, this time at an elementary school. A domestic dispute prompted 53-year-old Cedric Anderson to charge into the special needs classroom led by his wife, Karen Smith, at North Park Elementary School and open fire.
He had gained entry after stopping by the office and claiming to have a delivery for his wife; he did not reveal his firearms until he had entered the classroom.
Two students, 8-year-old Jonathan Martinez and an unnamed 9-year-old, were standing near Smith when Anderson shot her before turning the gun on himself. By the time police arrived, Smith and Anderson were dead, while the two students were suffering from injuries. Sadly, Martinez died hours later as a result of his wounds, while the second child is in stable condition.
Once again, this incident demonstrates the need for greater security measures in schools. It would appear that Anderson’s only target was his wife of just a few months, so this was not a prolonged attack, but it is still deeply tragic and troubling, especially for the family of Martinez, an innocent caught in the cross-fire. Parents and other students present at the time of the shooting remain shaken by the incident.