TWith 21 deaths, the Uvalde Elementary School shooting has become America’s third most deadly school shooting.
The gunman who was 18 years old and had previously attended nearby high schools, entered the school Tuesday morning with two rifles of military style. He then shot down nineteen students, two teachers, and left the scene. According to authorities, the gunman was eventually killed.
Learn More The Elementary School Shooting at Uvalde in Texas: What we Know so Far
Here’s what we know about the victims so far:
Eva Mireles (44).
Mireles was an educator for 17 years, according to her bio on the school’s website. “Welcome to the 4th grade! We have a wonderful year ahead of us!” she wrote. They had a daughter after she was married to a police officer in the school district.
“I have a supportive, fun, and loving family, “ her bio says. “I love running, hiking, and now you just might see me riding a bike!!”
Her daughter, Adalynn, tweeted a long post confirming her mother’s death and reminiscing about their times together.
“My beautiful mom, thank you for the funniest memories. I am grateful for all the wonderful times in my life. Thank you for being my best friend,” the message says. “Thank you for being the best mom anyone could ask for.”
Mireles’ aunt, Lydia Martinez Delgado, called the shooting “senseless.”
“I’m furious that these shooting continue, these children are innocent, rifles should not be easily available to all,” Delgado told KSAT news. “This is [my]neighborhood, or a small group of people from less than 10 miles away [than] 20,000. I never imagined this would happen.”
Continue reading: What can you do to help victims of Texas school shooting?
Xavier Javier Lopez, 10
Xavier was first victim to be identified. His cousin Lisa Garza told the Associated Press that Xavier was very excited for the summer and looking forward to swimming.
“He was just a loving 10-year-old little boy, just enjoying life, not knowing that this tragedy was going to happen today,” she said. “He was very bubbly, loved to dance with his brothers, his mom. This has just taken a toll on all of us.”
Xavier was reportedly at the awards ceremony just a few hours prior to the shooting.
Continue reading: In 2020, Guns were the leading cause of death for American children and teens
Uziyah Garcia, 8
According to the AP Uziyah was named as one the victims by the grandfather. Manny Renfro called his grandson “the sweetest little boy” that he’s ever known.
Renfro claimed that Uziyah was there when Renfro visited him in San Antonio during spring break. They spent time together throwing a ball and he was showing his grandchild pass patterns.
“There were certain plays that I would call that he would remember and he would do it exactly like I practiced,” Renfro recalled to KSAT.
As more victims are confirmed and identified, this post will be revised.
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