Teen suspect, victim identified in fatal shooting at Arlington’s Bowie High School

A suspect in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Etavion Barnes outside Arlington’s Bowie High School on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as 17-year-old Julian Howard, according to Arlington police.

In a statement issued Thursday morning, Arlington police announced Howard’s arrest on a murder charge in connection with Barnes’ death. Both Howard and Barnes were students at the high school, as confirmed by the Arlington ISD. Although police have not disclosed a motive for the shooting, they stated that Howard appeared to specifically target Barnes.

According to authorities, Howard was apprehended Wednesday afternoon and declined to speak with investigators without legal representation. Howard remains in custody at the Arlington City Jail, with no bond amount set for the murder charge. It’s uncertain whether Howard has retained legal counsel.

Police reported that school resource officers responded to reports of gunfire around 3 p.m. and discovered Barnes lying outside near a portable building. Video footage obtained by NBC 5 depicted officers administering CPR to the victim. Barnes was transported by ambulance to Medical City Arlington, where he was pronounced dead at 3:27 p.m.

Upon Howard’s arrest, police indicated that he was unarmed and found in possession of a THC cartridge. However, the murder weapon has yet to be located, and authorities have not determined how Howard obtained the firearm.

The investigation into the murder remains ongoing.

In response to the tragedy, Arlington ISD canceled classes at Bowie High School for Thursday and Friday, with counseling services available for affected students and staff. St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church is organizing a public service on Friday evening to provide support and solace for those impacted by the violence.

Parent Erica Sims, who rushed to the reunification center after the shooting, expressed concern for her daughter’s well-being. Sims noted her daughter’s close connection to both Howard and the victim’s girlfriend, emphasizing the need for counseling and support.

The Dallas FBI has also pledged its assistance in the case, aiming to address underlying issues and provide resources to prevent further violence.