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The impact of Ja’Shawn Poirier’s death still resonates one year later at Lamar High School.
Poirier, just weeks shy of his 17th birthday, was tragically shot and killed on campus. On the anniversary of his passing, family, friends, and educators gathered at the high school to commemorate his life.
Reflecting on the past year, Poirier’s mother, Rashone Jacob, shared that the pain of losing her son remains raw, but she felt it was important to join others in honoring his memory.
“It’s still so unbelievable, and I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it,” Jacob expressed.
The tragic incident occurred on March 20, 2023, when Poirier and fellow students were outside Lamar High School in Arlington. Another juvenile student approached with a shotgun, resulting in Poirier’s fatal injury.
As balloons in Poirier’s favorite color, green, were released into the sky with the collective chant of “Forever sixteen,” memories of that fateful day were revisited. Despite the sorrow, efforts have been made to commemorate Poirier’s legacy, including the installation of a plaque within the school and the establishment of a scholarship in his honor.
“It’s a great feeling that they still are coming together and honoring my son’s name and keeping his name alive,” Jacob remarked.
However, the reality of Poirier’s absence is a constant reminder for his family. Jacob emphasized the importance of remembering the date, March 20, 2023.
The juvenile shooter responsible for Poirier’s death was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Detectives have indicated that there was no prior connection between Poirier and the shooter.
A hearing is scheduled for the shooter’s 19th birthday to determine whether he will continue serving his sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or be granted probation with conditions and reintegrated into society.