Millbrook High student killed in Raleigh shooting; 2 others injured
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- One teen was killed and two others injured during a shooting shortly before 9:15 p.m. on Monday evening in northern Raleigh, police said.
The shooting happened in the 2700 block of Sumner Boulevard across from the Northridge Crossings apartment complex. One teen was able to run away down Old Wake Forest Road and call the police from the River Birch at Town Center Apartments in the 2600 block of Torquay Crossing.
On Tuesday, Millbrook High School Principal Brian Saunders sent a letter to parents saying the teen killed was a student at the school.
"It is with great sadness that I write this note to let you know that one of our 11th-grade students, Xzavion Lawton, died last night in a tragic shooting," Saunders wrote. "Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family and his friends. Please keep him and all of those that have been impacted by this loss in your hearts and prayers. We want to honor Xzavion's family and be respectful of their needs of privacy at this time."
Another teen suffered what police said Monday night were serious injuries. The other sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
The victims were all taken to a hospital.
The teens were out trick or treating on Halloween night when the shooting happened.
Police have not determined whether the shooting was random.
"Some people were a little emotional, which is reasonable. I think people handled it pretty well to my understanding. Definitely, some people that were hurt by this," said Talan Oney, a Millbrook freshman.
Saunders said counselors will be available for students through school and from the District Crisis Team.
"After a traumatic event such as the death of someone they are familiar with, we can expect students to feel anxious, sad, fearful, angry, or vulnerable," Saunders wrote. "They may be scared of losing someone else close to them. Through encouraging discussion, being supportive of feelings, providing factual information and suggesting positive outlets, you can help your child be aware of and process their emotions. Every child is different, and the emotional response may vary in duration. To be sure, these are heavy moments that we will work through together as a school family."
Adam Hull, a junior at Millbrook, said it was an emotional day at school.
"It's real devastating, at least for my buddy Ryder who sits next to him and is friends with," Hull said. "And I had a teacher that was teaching him, and he had to walk out of class because he broke down. And he couldn't teach class anymore - and he got pulled out by an assistant principal.
"It's just been rough on everybody at school today," Hull added. "We don't want to forget him. Always keep him in mind. Pray for his family."
Anyone who has information on this case is asked to visit Crimestoppers for text and email reporting options or call (919) 996-1193. Raleigh CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve cases.
