An elementary school in San Bernardinho California, US, was thrown into confusion after a teacher and an eight-year-old special needs student were killed by the teacher’s estranged husband.
Karen Smith, 53, was in her classroom when her estranged husband, Cedric Anderson, 53, came in without a word and opened fire, reloading at least twice.
There were 15 special needs pupils in the classroom and two adult aides at the time of the attack. Standing behind Karen were two of the pupils, Jonathan Martinez, 8, and an unidentified 9-year-old pupil.
According to Metro, Cederic shot his wife Karen and fatally wounded Jonathan Martinez, after which Cedric turned the gun on himself.
The couple had only been married for a few months and had been estranged for several weeks. Anderson was allowed into the school after he told office staff he was dropping off something for his wife.
Following the attack, North Park Elementary School was placed on lockdown and the students were transferred to a local high school where their parents came to pick them. The school will remain closed for at least two days.