FAIRFIELD, CA — Gunfire shattered a graduation celebration Wednesday night outside Fairfield High School, killing an 18-year-old man and wounding three others after a commencement ceremony, police said.
The shooting erupted shortly after 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Fairfield High School at 205 East Atlantic Avenue following a graduation ceremony for Sem Yeto Continuation High School, according to Fairfield Police Officer Michelle Belyea.
Police said the 18-year-old victim died at the scene. Three additional victims, ages 11, 20, and 25, suffered injuries and were transported to a hospital. Authorities have not released details about their conditions.
Witnesses described a chaotic and heartbreaking scene. According to KRON4, bystanders saw a mother performing CPR on her son while he was still wearing his graduation cap and gown. Authorities have not confirmed whether he was the victim who died.
"It's a very scary incident when something like this happens, especially at the end of a school event," Belyea said.
Officers secured the area and closed roads surrounding the campus as investigators searched for evidence and witnesses. The school remained under lockdown Wednesday night.
The suspect is still at large and police have not released a description. Investigators are still investigating what led to the shooting.
Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy expressed her grief in a statement posted on social media.
“My heart is breaking for the students and families involved,” Moy wrote. “I graduated from Fairfield High School and I can’t get my head and heart around this tragedy. I’m shaken to my soul. The shooter will face justice. But now I’m praying for the families affected and all of those who witnessed the shootings.”
Anyone with information about the shooting should contact Fairfield police as the investigation continues.
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