Etavion Barnes Obituary – A 17-year-old suspect who allegedly shot and killed a fellow classmate outside Bowie High School in Arlington has been identified by the police.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, the Arlington police confirmed that Julian Howard, also 17 years old, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of 18-year-old Etavion Barnes. Both Howard and Barnes were students at the high school.
While the motive for the shooting has not been disclosed by the police, they believe that Howard specifically targeted Barnes. Howard was apprehended on Wednesday afternoon and has since remained in custody.
He has refused to cooperate with investigators without legal representation. The bond amount for the murder charge has not been determined, and it is unclear whether Howard has obtained a lawyer
School resource officers responded to the incident after reports of gunfire, finding Barnes lying on the ground outside a portable building. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Barnes succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
At the time of his arrest, Howard was unarmed, but in possession of a THC cartridge. The murder weapon has not been located, and it is unknown how Howard obtained the gun. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In response to the tragedy, classes at Bowie High School have been canceled, and counselors will be available to provide support to staff and students. The district has not yet announced when students will be able to return to campus.
