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On January 2, 2020, Erickson pleaded [[Not guilty (plea)|not guilty]] to first degree murder and other charges. His trial began on May 31, 2021.<ref name="Reuters">{{Cite web |last=Coffman |first=Keith |date=2020-02-07 |title=Colorado Transgender Teen Pleads Guilty to Murder in School Revenge Case |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colorado-shooting-plea-idUSKBN2012QO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209170026/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colorado-shooting-plea-idUSKBN2012QO |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |access-date=2020-02-10 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> His defense team claimed that Erickson was an accomplice who was forced to commit the shooting. One of his defense attorneys said that he was a "confused kid" and "not a monster".<ref>{{Cite web |title='Not A Monster': Devon Erickson's Defense Attorney Says STEM School Shooting Suspect Was 'Confused Kid' |url=https://denver.cbslocal.com/video/5630589-not-a-monster-devon-ericksons-defense-attorney-says-stem-school-shooting-suspect-was-confused-kid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213504/https://denver.cbslocal.com/video/5630589-not-a-monster-devon-ericksons-defense-attorney-says-stem-school-shooting-suspect-was-confused-kid/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=2021-06-01 |language=en-US}}</ref>
On January 2, 2020, Erickson pleaded [[Not guilty (plea)|not guilty]] to first degree murder and other charges. His trial began on May 31, 2021.<ref name="Reuters">{{Cite web |last=Coffman |first=Keith |date=2020-02-07 |title=Colorado Transgender Teen Pleads Guilty to Murder in School Revenge Case |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colorado-shooting-plea-idUSKBN2012QO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209170026/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colorado-shooting-plea-idUSKBN2012QO |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |access-date=2020-02-10 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> His defense team claimed that Erickson was an accomplice who was forced to commit the shooting. One of his defense attorneys said that he was a "confused kid" and "not a monster".<ref>{{Cite web |title='Not A Monster': Devon Erickson's Defense Attorney Says STEM School Shooting Suspect Was 'Confused Kid' |url=https://denver.cbslocal.com/video/5630589-not-a-monster-devon-ericksons-defense-attorney-says-stem-school-shooting-suspect-was-confused-kid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213504/https://denver.cbslocal.com/video/5630589-not-a-monster-devon-ericksons-defense-attorney-says-stem-school-shooting-suspect-was-confused-kid/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=2021-06-01 |language=en-US}}</ref>


On June 15, 2021, Devon Erickson was convicted on 46 counts, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and supplying a juvenile with a handgun.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Madani |first=Doha |date=2021-06-16 |title=Colorado STEM school shooter guilty on 46 counts, including murder of Kendrick Castillo |language=en-US |website=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/colorado-stem-school-shooter-guilty-46-counts-including-murder-kendrick-n1270969 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184201/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/colorado-stem-school-shooter-guilty-46-counts-including-murder-kendrick-n1270969 |archive-date=July 9, 2021}}</ref> On September 17, 2021, Erickson was sentenced to [[Life imprisonment|life in prison]] without parole, plus 1,282 years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Oscar |date=September 17, 2021 |title=Convicted STEM School shooter sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 1,282 years |website=The Denver Channel |url=https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/stem-school-shooting/convicted-stem-school-shooter-sentenced-to-life-without-the-possibility-of-parole-plus-1-282-years |url-status=live |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110081403/https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/stem-school-shooting/convicted-stem-school-shooter-sentenced-to-life-without-the-possibility-of-parole-plus-1-282-years |archive-date=November 10, 2021}}</ref>
On June 15, 2021, Devon Erickson was convicted on 46 counts, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and supplying a juvenile with a handgun.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Madani |first=Doha |date=2021-06-16 |title=Colorado STEM school shooter guilty on 46 counts, including murder of Kendrick Castillo |language=en-US |website=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/colorado-stem-school-shooter-guilty-46-counts-including-murder-kendrick-n1270969 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184201/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/colorado-stem-school-shooter-guilty-46-counts-including-murder-kendrick-n1270969 |archive-date=July 9, 2021}}</ref> During the sentencing hearing, Erickson's grandfather stated that Devon Erickson was adopted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Family of STEM School Highlands Ranch shooter Devon Erickson speak at sentencing hearing|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgaaE87BxTo |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |access-date=2023-04-02 |language=en-US}}</ref> On September 17, 2021, Erickson was sentenced to [[Life imprisonment|life in prison]] without parole, plus 1,282 years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Oscar |date=September 17, 2021 |title=Convicted STEM School shooter sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 1,282 years |website=The Denver Channel |url=https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/stem-school-shooting/convicted-stem-school-shooter-sentenced-to-life-without-the-possibility-of-parole-plus-1-282-years |url-status=live |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110081403/https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/stem-school-shooting/convicted-stem-school-shooter-sentenced-to-life-without-the-possibility-of-parole-plus-1-282-years |archive-date=November 10, 2021}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 19:12, 2 April 2023

Devon Erickson
Born
Devon Michael Erickson

(2000-09-21) September 21, 2000 (age 24)
Criminal statusIncarcerated
Conviction(s)1 count of murder
8 counts of attempted murder
Details
Victims9
CountryUnited States
State(s)Colorado

Devon Michael Erickson (born September 21, 2000) is an American school shooter and murderer who, at the age of 18, murdered one student and injured 8 others on May 7, 2019, at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Douglas County, Colorado. Erickson is one of the two perpetrators of the shooting,[1] alongside 16-year-old Alec McKinney.[2]

Erickson was convicted of murder on 15 June 2021, at the age of 20. He received a sentence of life without parole.

Shooting

Main article: 2019 STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting

On the afternoon of May 7, 2019, Devon Erickson and Alec McKinney briefly left Highlands Ranch STEM school during their lunch period and went to Erickson's house, where McKinney allegedly threatened Erickson into breaking open a gun safe with a crowbar and an ax. The safe contained three firearms, a rifle and three handguns, and were concealed by the duo in a guitar case and a backpack. The two also engaged in cocaine use before returning to Highlands Ranch.[citation needed]

Erickson claims that, upon returning to school, they parted ways once McKinney had entered through the school's back entrance, where he would have been less likely to be caught with the weapons. Although their stories differ, Erickson told police that he intended to inform a teacher of "McKinney's plans". However, he insists that his intent to do so dissipated when the two reunited.[citation needed]

The two targeted classroom 107 and entered together through separate doors. Erickson claims that, upon seeing Alec reach for one of the guns, he shouted for the classroom inhabitants to get down before being rushed at by two students. Erickson says that the impact of the students prompted his weapon to fire. Erickson insists that he did not intend for anyone to be harmed or shot at.[citation needed]

According to a student, Erickson allegedly pulled out a gun and yelled, "nobody f*cking move". Kendrick Ray Castillo jumped on him and was fatally shot in the chest.[3] Erickson was then subdued and disarmed by two other students. This occurred in the high school section of STEM, while McKinney targeted the middle school section and wounded four students before being tackled by an armed security guard.[4]

Officers did not have to fire at the suspects prior to them being taken into custody, later confirming that at least two handguns were used in the shooting, with three handguns and a rifle recovered. However, there was an instance of friendly fire during the response in which a private security guard reacted to a muzzle of a gun coming around the corner, that was later established to be held by a Douglas County Sheriff's deputy.[5] Officers also went to Erickson's home and seized a car with hand-painted graffiti on it reading "Fuck society", as well as "666" and a pentagram.[6]

Victims

One student was killed and eight others were injured in the shooting, two were in serious condition.[7] On 12 May the last of wounded were released from the hospital.[8] Officials told reporters that the youngest victim is 15 years old.[9] There were no staff deaths or injuries; all victims were students.[10]

At least three students, 18-year-old seniors Kendrick Castillo, Joshua Jones, and Brendan Bialy, lunged at an attacker, later identified as Erickson. The three students jumped from their desks and slammed the gunman against the wall. The shooter fired off several shots as they struggled with him. Castillo was killed in the process, the only student killed during the shooting. Jones was shot twice, receiving non-life-threatening injuries in his leg and hip. Bialy managed to wrestle the handgun away from the shooter during the struggle.[11][12][13][14][15]

After the initial court appearance on May 8, Erickson and McKinney were formally criminally charged for the shooting at a May 15 court hearing in the Douglas County court. Each of the two suspects was charged with 48 criminal counts, including "first-degree murder after deliberation, arson and burglary". McKinney was charged as an adult, although his lawyers tried to move his case to the juvenile court and the judge denied the motion.[16][17] McKinney was listed in court documents as Maya Elizabeth McKinney,[18] and, on July 24, 2020, was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.[19]

On June 14, it was announced that the judge appointed to oversee both of the suspects' cases had recused herself from the case of McKinney but stayed on to oversee the case of Erickson.[20]

On January 2, 2020, Erickson pleaded not guilty to first degree murder and other charges. His trial began on May 31, 2021.[21] His defense team claimed that Erickson was an accomplice who was forced to commit the shooting. One of his defense attorneys said that he was a "confused kid" and "not a monster".[22]

On June 15, 2021, Devon Erickson was convicted on 46 counts, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and supplying a juvenile with a handgun.[23] During the sentencing hearing, Erickson's grandfather stated that Devon Erickson was adopted.[24] On September 17, 2021, Erickson was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 1,282 years.[25]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Devon Erickson found guilty on all counts". FOX31 Denver. June 15, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  2. ^ Donovan, Julia (February 7, 2020). "Alec McKinney, STEM School shooting suspect, pleads guilty". KRDO. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  3. ^ "Colorado school shooting: Student describes slain classmate tackling gunman". TODAY.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
  4. ^ Emanuella Grinberg (May 8, 2019). "This sixth grader wanted to 'go down fighting' so he grabbed a bat during school shooting". CNN. Archived from the original on May 12, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
  5. ^ Vaughan, Kevin (May 10, 2019). "STEM School Highlands Ranch security guard saw muzzle of weapon, fired 2 rounds, sources say". KUSA. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  6. ^ Miller, Blair (May 8, 2019). "Suspect in STEM School shooting makes first court appearance". KMGH. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  7. ^ "1 student dead, multiple injured in Highlands Ranch school shooting, multiple ranking sources say". The Denver Channel. May 7, 2019. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
  8. ^ Samantha M., Fox (May 12, 2019). "Final patient from STEM shooting released from the hospital". FOX31 Denver. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  9. ^ Sheena Jones; Steve Almasy; Darran Simon (May 7, 2019). "Eight student injured in school shooting in suburban Denver, 2 students are in custody". CNN. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  10. ^ "Sheriff gives update on STEM school shooting in Colorado". May 7, 2019. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Romo, Vanessa; Gonzales, Richard (May 7, 2019). "1 Student Killed, 7 Injured In Colorado School Shooting". NPR. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  12. ^ Durkin, Erin (May 8, 2019). "'Best kid in the world': Denver school shooting victim died tackling suspect". The Guardian. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  13. ^ Khorri Atkinson; Rebecca Falconer (May 8, 2019). "Kendrick Ray Castillo identified as student killed in Colorado school shooting". Axios. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  14. ^ ""What he did was legendary": Colorado school shooting hero remembers the friend who acted first". CBS News. May 9, 2019. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
  15. ^ Swensen, Jason (May 8, 2019). "Latter-day Saint 'hero' shot twice after rushing gunman at Colorado school shooting". Deseret News. Deseret News: Church News. Archived from the original on May 10, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
  16. ^ "School Shooting Suspect Alec McKinney Charged As Adult: 48 Counts, 1st Degree Murder". 4CBS Denver. May 15, 2019. Archived from the original on May 16, 2019. Retrieved May 17, 2019.
  17. ^ "Accused 16-year-old STEM School shooter to stand trial as adult". December 4, 2019. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  18. ^ Brown, Lee (May 10, 2019). "Colorado school shooting suspects reportedly took guns from parent's cabinet". The New York Post. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  19. ^ "Maya 'Alec' McKinney Being Sentenced To Life In Prison With Possibility Of Parole For Deadly STEM School Shooting". CBS Colorado. July 24, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  20. ^ Schmelzer, Elise (June 14, 2019). "Judge recuses herself from case of younger STEM School shooting suspect". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on June 20, 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  21. ^ Coffman, Keith (February 7, 2020). "Colorado Transgender Teen Pleads Guilty to Murder in School Revenge Case". Reuters. Archived from the original on February 9, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  22. ^ "'Not A Monster': Devon Erickson's Defense Attorney Says STEM School Shooting Suspect Was 'Confused Kid'". Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  23. ^ Madani, Doha (June 16, 2021). "Colorado STEM school shooter guilty on 46 counts, including murder of Kendrick Castillo". NBC News. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  24. ^ "Family of STEM School Highlands Ranch shooter Devon Erickson speak at sentencing hearing". Retrieved April 2, 2023. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)
  25. ^ Contreras, Oscar (September 17, 2021). "Convicted STEM School shooter sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 1,282 years". The Denver Channel. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
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