Arlington, Texas – Police have arrested a 17-year-old teenager on charges of murder after he shot dead a fellow student on a high school campus in Arlington, Texas.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the victim was 18-year-old Etavian Barnes.
According to Arlington Police Chief Al Jones, on Wednesday afternoon, Barnes was found outside a portable building on the campus of Bowie High School with multiple gunshot wounds and was unconscious when discovered.
There were no other reports of injuries.
Jones stated that the suspect was also a student at the school and was apprehended shortly after near the campus, indicating that the two individuals apparently knew each other.
“Our investigation is still in the early stages, and our detectives are working hard to determine the motive,” Jones said.
Jones reported that the shooting took place around 2:50 p.m., just shortly before the end of the school day, leading the school to be locked down for approximately two hours before students were allowed to leave.
Matt Smith, the Superintendent of Arlington Independent School District, announced that classes for Thursday were canceled.
“To be honest, this tragedy leaves me speechless,” Smith said. “Schools should be places for learning and growth,” but he described how this was disrupted by “senseless violence.”
Smith mentioned that when classes resume, counselors will be available to provide support for students and staff.