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Upland Elementary School Parents Voice Security Concerns After Pellet Gun Shooting

UPLAND (CBSLA.com) — Concerned family members Monday evening gathered at the Upland elementary school where a 41-year-old woman on Friday shot her mother with a pellet gun and also shot herself.

Many parents said they were concerned that the suspect, Amy Schaeffer, was able to enter the campus with a weapon at all.

"I'm concerned about it," said Steve Benjamin, a grandfather of a student at the school. "I want to see a little more security."

The school district reassured parents that security measures are in place.

Upland Unified School District Superintendent Nancy Kelly said that daycare employees view all visitors through a security camera and a peephole, but Amy Schaeffer was allowed to enter because she is a relative of an employee.

"We believe the campus is very secure," Kelly said. "This is one of those unthinkable incidents you hope to never have to deal with your career."

Amy Schaeffer is accused of shooting her mother, Fran Schaeffer, a daycare employee at the school, three times in the head at point-blank range, before shooting herself twice in the head with the pellet gun.

Amy Schaeffer was arrested and hospitalized, then released on $50,000 bail. Under an emergency protective order, she must stay at least 500 yards from the school.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office is expected to file formal charges against Amy Schaeffer on Tuesday. She could be arrested again, with a higher bail.

Fran Schaeffer, meanwhile, is recovering from her injuries. She could lose sight in one eye, police said.

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