Prayer Vigils Held For Victims, Those Affected By Saugus High School Shooting
SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA) — Multiple prayer vigils were held Thursday night for the victims and those affected by the deadly shooting at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita.
A 16-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were killed and three others were wounded when a student opened fire at Saugus High Thursday morning.
At Real Life Church on Newhall Ranch Road, friends of the 14-year-old victim spoke glowingly about him to CBS2.
"He was a very, very sweet kid," friend Anthony Martinez said. "He was very small, he was smaller than everybody else, but he had a huge heart."
"I can't even talk, this is sad, it's all it is," an emotional Uri Martinez added.
"We know this is one person's evil actions doesn't outdo a community's good heart," said resident Evis Gonzalez, who attended the vigil.
People also came together at Central Park, located near the school, for a gathering of support. Mourners lit candles and a large banner that read "Centurion Strong" was hung on a fence.
The 14-year-old boy killed was a cadet in the Air Force Junior ROTC. His fellow cadets honored him at Central Park.
"He was the kind of guy, you could have the worst day in your life, and he'd walk over and say, 'How are you doing today?' And you'd immediately smile," said fellow cadet and friend Joshua Mourthi.
As of Thursday evening, one victim remained in critical condition and another was treated and released from the hospital, officials announced in an afternoon press conference.
The suspect, identified as 16-year-old Nathaniel Berhow, remained in grave condition from a gunshot wound to the head.
