Gunfire at Saint John Bosco High School results in a fatality during a youth gathering
In a shocking incident, a shooting was reported at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower on October 5, 2024. The incident occurred during a youth sports tournament in the school's parking lot.
According to reports, a man was shot in a car in the parking lot. The victim, who was a parent of a child participating in the tournament, later died at a hospital. The other person in the car was not injured. The victim's car, which was reported stolen from Lynwood, had several bullet holes in the windshield.
Details about the auto theft were not immediately available. However, it has been reported that the person who stole the car is the 18-year-old suspect involved in the Völklingen incident, who had previously committed a robbery and then shot a police officer while fleeing on foot.
In a tragic turn of events, the shooting has cast a shadow over the school's upcoming events. The 2017 Braves Gala, scheduled to take place on the school's 36-acre campus grounds, will proceed as planned. Notable alumnus Joseph Sanchez III '70 will receive the School's Distinguished Alumnus Award at the event.
The school is also set to hold a dedication for the Panish Family Stadium. The dedication ceremony will include a blessing and opening remarks. The stadium is slated to be the new home of St. John Bosco High School's football team.
Amidst these developments, the school community is grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. Father Nick Reina, Director of St. John Bosco High School, will perform the blessing at the Panish Family Stadium dedication, offering solace and hope to the school community.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed against Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco High School. The lawsuit alleges that head football coach Jason Negro embezzled school funds and that assistants paid top players' tuition in cash. The school has not yet issued a statement regarding these allegations.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the St. John Bosco High School community stands united in grief and resilience.
