Fort Worth ISD worker fatally shot outside David K. Sellars Elementary School
FORT WORTH (CBSNewsTexas.com) — A Fort Worth ISD employee was shot and killed Wednesday morning in the parking lot of a Forest Hill elementary school, police said.
Just before 7 a.m. Oct. 11, Forest Hill police were sent to David K. Sellars Elementary School, located on Dorsey Street. When officers arrived, they found a woman outside with multiple gunshot wounds and began to perform life-saving measures.
The woman—later identified as a school employee—was pronounced dead after being taken to John Peter Smith Hospital. Her name remains publicly unknown at this time.
Police said the woman was speaking with a person in another vehicle after arriving to work, and that they believe she knew her killer.
Following the shooting, officers determined the suspect fled the scene in a silver-colored Chevrolet Impala, which was later located unoccupied in Fort Worth. It has since been taken into custody.
Administrative staff with FWISD was briefed on the investigation and decided to continue operations as normal since the suspect wasn't believed to still be in the area.
The district later released the following statement in part:
"This morning, a tragic incident occurred in the back parking lot at David K. Sellars Elementary School that resulted in the passing of a beloved staff member. Our hearts go out to their family during this incredibly difficult time. The staff member was dedicated to serving their campus and had a profound impact on students and the staff."
The shooting left local residents shocked, with one grandparent even racing to the school to make sure her granddaughter and nephew were safe.
"All I know is my daughter called me upset and worried. She's like, 'Mom, something's happening at the school,'" Eva Torres said.
Forest Hill Mayor Stephanie Boardingham read a statement expressing grief for the victim and her family.
"This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of community solidarity and the need for us to all work together to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future," Mayor Boardingham said.
The slaying happened only minutes before students lined up to get inside for school breakfast, prompting the question of why classes were still held during an active homicide investigation on campus.
"Why would you want to have kids at the school knowing that?" Torres asked. "It's worrisome because this happened to a person that works here, you know, how good is security and how secure is this school?"
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Forest Hill Police Department at 817-531-5250. Anonymous tips can also be left through Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS or www.469tips.com, reference number 23FPD13544.
