Student, 15, gunned down and killed on way to Simon Gratz High School in Nicetown, police say
NICETOWN - A 15-year-old student of Simon Gratz High School is dead after police say he was killed in a fight turned shooting near the school Monday morning.
The shooting happened just before 8 a.m. on North 16th Street and West Hunting Park Avenue, which is across from the school's athletic field.
Police say the student, later identified as Devin Weedon, was in a physical fight with three male suspects when one pulled a gun and shot him in the chest.
Devin, who is a 10th-grader at Simon Gratz, was transported to Temple University Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Devin Weedon, 15, was gunned down and killed on his way to Simon Gratz High School Tuesday morning.
In response to the fatal shooting, Simon Gratz High School and Mastery Prep Middle School dismissed students at 11 a.m. Dozens of parents rushed to pick up their children, reflecting on safety and how it seems to be hard to come by these days.
"That’s why I always bring him to school and come to pick him up because you never know what’s going to happen. I always pray for them in the morning," said Gretchen Marrero, whose son is one of Devin's classmates.
FOX 29's Kelly Rule spoke with Devin's father, Gary Weedon. Gary says his son was an incredible athlete who wanted to get an education and be successful. He says everyone loved Devin, so his family just can not understand why this happened to him.
"He’s a lovely, funny guy. He’ll make you laugh, he doesn't want any trouble. If you call him a name, he’ll walk away," said Gary. I don’t understand, you go to school to get an education. Now, you can’t go to school to get an education anymore because you’re scared somebody might jump out and rob you."
Mastery Charter Schools released a statement Tuesday afternoon:
"Mastery offers our deepest condolences to the student’s family and loved ones and will respect their privacy. We share in their loss and are devastated by the frequency with which gun violence is impacting our city and our community. We stand ready to support our Mastery students and staff during this tragedy."
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Scott Gordon, CEO of Mastery Charter Schools also gave an emotional testimony, touching on how well-rounded Devin was.
"This young man was a football player, proud member of Bulldog nation, played guard, was well-loved, charismatic, great student, bright future, we’re devastated," said Gordon.
Mastery School officials say they had grief counseling available after school and an increased police and security presence for dismissal, which will continue moving forward. Simon Gratz high, middle and elementary schools will all be closed Wednesday for a day of healing, officials say.
"Y'all just broke up two families. My family because you took my son's life, and your family because if you get caught, you're going to jail," said Gary. "They tore my family apart."
A $30,000 reward is being for offered for information leading to an arrest; $10,000 more than the typical reward since the deadly shooting occurred in a school zone.