4-11-2017-ERNIE ALLEN’S-TOP STORY-
Two adults and a child have been killed by a gunman who opened fire in a classroom at North Park Elementary School in San Bernardino, California on Monday at 10:30am in what’s being labeled a murder-suicide.
Cedric Anderson, 53, opened fire on his estranged wife, Karen Smith with a large caliber handgun in a class full of 15 special-needs students. Two students were wounded in the shooting and 8-year-old Johnathan Martinez later died of his injuries. According to police, the students were not targeted, they were just close to their teacher and were innocent bystanders.
Police did not specify a motive, but it appears the couple, who married in January, had recently been estranged. Reports say they were friends for four years before their marriage. Anderson had a history of domestic violence and a criminal record. Two prior cases involving assault, one where he allegedly brandished a gun, had been dismissed. When he and a former wife divorced, both had restraining orders against the other, according to reports.
He entered the school and signed in on the pretext of dropping something off to his wife. According to Heavy.com, Anderson had been a guest pastor for a radio show and lead Bible study groups. Police say he didn’t leave a suicide note, nor did he say anything before opening fire in the classroom.
Cedric Anderson and wife Karen in happier times.
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Chief Jarrod Burguan confirmed the suspect is “down” and there is “no further threat.”
Shamika Sanders, AP
