Tuesday marks 5 years since STEM School shooting

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (KDVR) — May 7, 2024 marks five years since the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch. One person was killed and eight others were wounded.

It was just before 2 p.m. on May 7, 2019, when two students entered the building and opened fire. They had concealed their weapons in a guitar case.

Both have been sentenced to life in prison.

Kendrick Castillo, 18, was in English class when one of the shooters entered and told everyone not to move. Instead, Castillo charged the shooter and was shot.  

He has been credited with saving the lives of others in the classroom that day.

On Tuesday morning, Kendrick’s dad posted a picture of his son on X saying, “Greater love has no one than this: To lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

There are no classes at the school on Tuesday, and no official events are being held there to mark the anniversary.

Visitors are encouraged to leave flowers at the parking spot Kendrick Castillo always used on the school grounds.

A remembrance ceremony will be held at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday.