Arlington, Texas – Mothers of gun violence victims are urging students at Bowie High School to speak out following the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old on campus. Classes were canceled the day after the incident, with Arlington ISD announcing that they would not resume until the following Monday. Police investigators continued their efforts to unravel the details of the shooting that claimed the life of Etavion Barnes on Wednesday.
The tragic event unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a lockdown at Bowie High School when Barnes was shot outside near a portable classroom building. Police were able to locate a person matching the description of the suspected shooter just 20 minutes after the incident, with 17-year-old Julian Howard identified and taken into custody on charges of murder and possession of a controlled substance, although no weapon was found.
The devastating impact of gun violence brought grieving mothers to the school grounds, including the founder of Mothers of Murdered Angels, who shared her own painful experience of losing loved ones to firearms. Standing outside the school, she emphasized the need for unity in addressing such senseless tragedies.
Reflecting on her personal losses, the founder highlighted the profound impact of such incidents on families and communities, urging students to be vigilant and report any concerning behavior or threats. According to her, collective action is essential in preventing further tragedies, as no single entity can address the complex issue alone.
Despite Howard’s apprehension, Arlington police were still grappling with unanswered questions surrounding the motive behind the shooting at Bowie High School. The silence of the suspect underscored the challenges authorities faced in piecing together the events leading up to the fatal encounter, leaving the community grappling with shock and uncertainty.