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Brandon Henderson found himself in a situation he had only witnessed on television until Wednesday, when it became a reality at his daughter’s school, now the scene of a crime.
Reflecting on the experience, Henderson expressed the fear and helplessness of being unable to immediately assist his child while stuck in his car, hoping for her safety.
Monday morning marked the return of students to Bowie High School in Arlington, following the district’s decision to bolster security and counseling resources on campus. The heightened precautions came after an incident last Wednesday, where a 17-year-old was accused of shooting a fellow classmate near the portables.
For Henderson, there was a sense of apprehension about bringing his daughter back to school, questioning how a gun could find its way onto campus from outside.
The interruption of the learning process occurred last Wednesday when school resource officers discovered 18-year-old Etavian Barnes with multiple gunshot wounds near the portables. The accused, 17-year-old Julian Howard, was apprehended shortly after near the parking lot. Barnes is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Howard remains in custody as of Monday, facing charges in connection with Barnes’ death. Over the weekend, friends and family gathered for a vigil in Barnes’ honor, while police continue to search for the murder weapon.
The incident has left many families shaken, with Derrick Obasohan dropping off his daughter at Bowie High School Monday morning, acknowledging the heavy police presence.
While some parents expressed concern for their children’s safety, Gabrielle Eunice, reflecting on a similar shooting near campus in 2020, revealed considering relocating both her daughters from Bowie High School due to safety fears.
Arlington ISD has responded by deploying additional security and counseling staff to campus this week, aiming to provide support for students grappling with the aftermath. Despite ongoing investigations and efforts to restore normalcy, the incident has underscored the need for continued vigilance on campus.