Alec McKinney has been identified as the second gunman in the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting that left at least 8 people injured and one person dead.
What Happened at STEM School Highlands Ranch?
Alec McKinney and a second suspect, 18-year-old Devon Erickson, opened fire at the STEM School complex in the Denver, Colorado area on Tuesday, May 7.
Following reports of the shooting, the school was immediately placed on lockdown as police responded to the scene.
Police asked civilians nearby to avoid the area while they responded to the scene. At least 8 people were taken to the hospital, four of which in serious condition.
One person, 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo, was killed. Castillo reportedly died as a result of bravery as he attempted to disarm one of the gunmen.
Police said that the two shooters began shooting in two different locations in the school complex.
“This is a terrible event,” Sheriff Spurlock said in a statement to reporters in the aftermath of the shooting.
Who Is Alec McKinney?
Alec McKinney is one of two suspects currently in the custody of authorities. Both Colorado school shooting suspects are students at STEM School in Highlands Ranch.
McKinney, who is reportedly transgender, first appeared in court on Wednesday, May 8.
During his first court appearance, McKinney’s lawyer said that his client prefers the pronoun “he”. He is currently being held without bond at Douglas County Jail.
Erickson, the other gunman, is facing 30 counts in connection to the mass shooting, including first-degree murder and dozens of attempted murder charges.
About STEM School Highlands Ranch
STEM School Highlands Ranch, located in Douglas County, Colorado, is a school complex that serves grades K-12.
Mass Shootings in the United States
The reports of a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch is just the latest in a string of school lockdowns, code reds, bomb threats, and active shootings that have plagued American schools in recent years.
Despite the increasing number of mass shootings, our nation’s lawmakers have yet to make effective changes to our laws that better protect our citizens.
The thoughts and prayers of our entire editorial staff are with the victims, their families, and the first responders during this extremely difficult time.
That is all the information that is available at this time. This article will be updated with new and relevant information should it become available at any time. If there is anything that we missed, please feel free to send an email to editor@teamcoed.com and we will respond as soon as possible.
