ARLINGTON, TX – Tragedy struck James Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon as an 18-year-old student, Etavion Barnes, was fatally shot on the school’s premises. A 17-year-old student, Julian Howard, was later arrested and charged with murder, according to Arlington Jail records.
As Arlington Police Chief Al Jones noted, officers responding to a shots-fired call found Barnes unresponsive and immediately began life-saving measures. Despite being quickly transported to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The school was immediately placed on lockdown.
Howard, the accused, was apprehended not far from the school. Both he and the victim were students at Bowie High School and were reportedly known to each other. As of now, Howard has been taken into custody as Arlington Police continue the investigation.
Following the shooting, Arlington ISD initiated a reunification process for students and parents at the Arlington ISD Athletics and Aquatics Center. The school will remain closed on Thursday, April 25, and counseling support will be available to students upon return.
Superintendent of Arlington ISD, Dr. Matt Smith, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Schools are supposed to be a place of learning and growth, and this afternoon, it was interrupted by senseless violence.”
In the wake of the event, Arlington police are working with ATF to conduct ballistics investigations, while Mansfield police are also supporting on the scene.