Jury finds STEM School shooter guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Kendrick Castillo
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Tuesday, a jury found Devon Erickson, the accused second shooter in the STEM school shooting, guilty of murder in the first-degree murder of Kendrick Castillo per our Denver affiliate 9News.
In addition to first-degree murder, he faced 46 counts, including the following:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- One count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder
- 31 counts of attempted first-degree murder
Erickson was standing trial for his involvement in the Highlands Ranch STEM School shooting On May 7, 2019, that left one student dead and eight others injured.
Kendrick Castillo, who was a senior, was shot after rushing at Erickson when he entered a classroom. Castillo was administered aid at the scene but ultimately died. Kendrick's father John Castillo spoke shortly after court adjourned saying this is the decision he and so many others have been waiting to hear.
"Today, we had tears of joy," Castillo says. "It's truly a blessing to hear that justice was served." Adding, he could feel his son watching as each guilty verdict was read. “We’ll never quit missing him, we’ll never quit honoring him and this day is justice for him," Castillo says.
Erickson will be sentenced in September but 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner says the base sentencing for these crimes is life in prison without the possibility of parole. The decision not only brining relief to the Castillo's but every student, teacher, and parent who were there that day. Including Mitchell Kraus who was shot and spoke with Erickson within hours of the shooting happening.
“I can be sure that this monster to be honest is never going to see the light of day again it’s just a weight off my back,” Kraus says.
The jury reached a decision Tuesday afternoon and read the verdict just before 2:30 p.m. The decision comes a day after closing arguments.
Erickson pleaded not guilty in 2020. The other student involved in the shooting, Alec McKinney, pleaded guilty in February 2020. He is eligible for parole because he was a juvenile at the time of the attack.
McKinney testified during Erickson's trial.
