In a horrific turn of events at a Virginia high school graduation ceremony, two individuals lost their lives, with the suspected shooter now identified as Amari Pollard who is age 19
The victims were a young graduate, Shawn Jackson, 18, and his father, Renzo Smith, 36. The shooting happened moments after the joyous occasion concluded, transforming celebration into a nightmare.
Who is Amari Pollard Virginia high school graduation shooter, bio, age, victims name list and photo
Virginia graduation shooting suspect IDed as Amari Pollard pic.twitter.com/wC8KUqiyDQ
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) June 7, 2023
A long-standing feud between Amari Pollard and Shawn Jackson turns deadly
According to local law enforcement, Amari Pollard and Shawn Jackson had a history of rivalry. This longstanding dispute culminated in the brutal shooting, which also left five others injured, though they fortunately sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Pollard, a resident of Enrico County, faced arraignment on Wednesday morning on two charges of second-degree murder. Currently held without bail, Pollard allegedly opened fire at approximately 5:15 p.m., moments after witnessing the graduates of Huguenot High School receive their diplomas.
Cops said 19 year Amari Pollard gunned down Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather, Renzo Smith, 36, after a yearlong feud with his teenage victim.
Cops said a total of seven people were hit by gunfire, including Jackson and his father and the remaining five victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The aftermath of the incident
Richmond School District Superintendent Jason Kamras expressed his shock during a press briefing on Wednesday, recounting the harrowing scene. “I still can’t shake the image of Shawn receiving CPR on the ground still in his graduation gown,” he said. The police clarified that there are currently no indications that the shooting was gang-related.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards emphasized the personal connection between Pollard and Jackson, saying, “They knew each other and had an ongoing dispute.”
Remembering Shawn Jackson
Despite the tragic circumstances, Superintendent Kamras took time to remember the young graduate, Shawn Jackson. Jackson was described as a sociable and popular individual, known for his bubbly personality and being the life of the party. Despite personal hardships, he achieved the milestone of graduation, a triumph that his untimely death cruelly overshadowed.
“Getting to the graduation stage was not easy. Nevertheless he did it. And he was rightly proud and smiling and celebrating like all of his peers. And then just a few minutes later, while enjoying the moment with his family in Monroe Park, he was gunned down,” Kamras said.
As the community reels from this tragic event, it serves as a painful reminder of the senseless violence that can shatter lives in an instant. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking incident.
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