Unconnected shootings outside of both Wilmington and Boyle Heights elementary schools in L.A. have left a pair of students dead and two others injured.

The first incident occurred on Monday near Wilmington Park Elementary school, as 12-year-old Alexander Alvarado was shot and killed around 5 p.m.

Also injured during the incident were Alvarado’s stepmother and a 9-year-old student, according to Supervisor Janice Hahn. The 9-year-old girl was reportedly hit in the back with a stray bullet while waiting to be picked up from the school.

A candlelight vigil was held for the student outside of Wilmington Park Elementary, attended by community members, with L.A. County Supervisor Hahn and L.A. City Councilman Joe Buscaino also seen within the crowd.

“Joining the Wilmington community this evening to mourn the loss of 12-year-old Alexander Alvarado who was killed in a shooting yesterday afternoon outside Wilmington Park Elementary school that also wounded his stepmother and a 9-year-old girl,” Supervisor Hahn said on Twitter, Tuesday. “I pray for healing for the victims and for our community, and for an end to this scourge of gun violence.”

The very next day, a shooting occurred in Boyle Heights, with a boy identified as Jeremy Galvin, 14, was pronounced dead shortly after LAPD’s arrival.

The shooting occurred at Evergreen Recreational Center near First Street Elementary School, with investigators saying there may have been a verbal dispute.

LAPD said it had detained one suspect who attempted to flee on foot, but are still looking for a second suspect, according to KTLA.

The Los Angeles Unified School District said it would be providing on-site counseling for students and employees seeking support after the incident.

“Throughout Los Angeles Unified, we work hard each and every day to foster a climate and culture that is welcoming and safe to all of our students, employees, families and community members,” LAUSD Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin and Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said in a joint statement. “We continue to keep the families of the victims, and the entire school community at Wilmington Park Elementary School and Wilmington Middle School STEAM Magnet, in our thoughts and prayers as they begin healing from yesterday’s shooting. Our hearts are with those affected by this senseless tragedy that impacted our Los Angeles Unified family.”

 

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