Public Memorial Services for Yakima Student Killed in School Park

The Yakima School District is holding public services for Eisenhower High student Shawn D. Tolbert on March 17th and 18th. The young Yakima School District student was killed in the parking lot near the school's Zaepfl Stadium this week and my heart is still breaking for his family. Shawn Tolbert, age 16, was shot on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

QUESTIONS REMAIN AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE

So many questions about the motive for the shooting remain a mystery, and the detectives will ultimately determine why this tragic killing happened in the first place. Yet all that truly matters is this young child's life was taken away needlessly and his family and friends are grieving and need our support and privacy.

HOW OLD IS THE ACCUSED SHOOTER IN THE INCIDENT?

The accused school parking lot shooter is only a child himself, a 15-year-old boy who has since been arrested in connection with the shooting. Consideration is being weighed as to whether or not to charge the juvenile suspect as an adult. The Yakima County Juvenile Court and Yakima County Prosecutor's office will be handling the motion to decide that young person's fate.

WHAT MAKES THIS TRAGIC KILLING EVEN MORE SHOCKING AND SADDENING

What makes this story even more shocking and saddening is that Shawn Tolbert is said to have been related to the alleged shooter. As a mom and as the parent of a Yakima School District student, my heart goes out to Shawn's family and dearest friends. I also grieve with the students and faculty members of Ike, as the high school is affectionately known.