Crime
Murder-Suicide: Teens killed in Tonto Basin shooting after fight identified
Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol was a factor in the incident.
A second teenager has died following a tragic shooting in a remote area near Tonto Basin, Northern Arizona, over the weekend.
The victims have been identified as 15-year-old Easton Proffitt, a sophomore at Perry High School in Gilbert, and 15-year-old Colten Boyle, who resided near Payson.
The Gila County Sheriffโs Office reported that a group of seven individuals, aged 15 to 20, was gathered at a home approximately 12 miles east of Tonto Basin on Saturday night. Authorities stated that all but one member of the group had been drinking.
At around 11 p.m., an altercation reportedly escalated, during which a 15-year-old shot another 15-year-old before turning the gun on himself. Both boys suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
One teen was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a trauma center in Phoenix. Despite medical efforts, the second teen succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon, according to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.
The Gila County Sheriffโs Office Criminal Investigation Unit is actively working to determine the events leading up to the shooting. At this time, it remains unclear which boy was the shooter and which was the victim.
Authorities revealed that one individual in the group was from the Phoenix metropolitan area, while the rest were residents of the Payson and Tonto Basin region.
The shooting occurred in a secluded area approximately an hour and a half northeast of Phoenix. The tragedy has left the community grappling with grief as questions linger about what transpired.
Statement sent to Perry High School families on Monday:
Dear Perry Pumas,
The administration, faculty and staff of Perry High School regret to inform you of the death of one of our 10th grade students, Easton Proffitt. As a community, we are grieving Eastonโs death. Traumatic events can be difficult and, like adults, youth express emotions by grieving. Yet, youth may not demonstrate grief in the same manner as adults. The following information is provided for parents, guardians, and others who may find themselves in a position of guiding a youth through the grieving process. In addition, if your student needs extra assistance, the districtโs crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available to provide services.
Please know that our district crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available now and throughout the year to help those who need assistance. Please contact us at (480) 224-2800 to be connected with a member of the counseling team.
Our thoughts go out to the Proffitt family during this difficult time of loss and grief, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Heather Patterson
Principal
Perry High School
Further information has not been released as the investigation continues.
Crime
Luca Hanlon, 19, Killed in Halloween Night Shooting Near CU Boulder Campus; Another Student Critically Injured
BOULDER, Colo. โ What should have been a night of Halloween celebration turned into a devastating tragedy in Boulder after a shooting at a party near the University of Colorado Boulder campus claimed the life of 19-year-old student Luca Hanlon and left another student critically injured.
Hanlon, also 19, was identified as one of the victims of the shooting, which occurred on Saturday night, October 31, near the University Hill neighborhood.
According to the information provided, the shooting happened at approximately 11:28 p.m. at a residence near the intersection of Seventh and Marine streets.
The gathering was reportedly a Halloween party attended by young people in the area. However, the celebration was shattered when gunfire erupted, leaving two 19-year-old CU Boulder students wounded.
Luca Hanlon suffered fatal injuries and was killed in the shooting. Another 19-year-old student was also struck by gunfire and left in critical condition.
Halloween is traditionally a time for costumes, gatherings, and celebrations, particularly among college students. For those present that night, however, the evening became a frightening and heartbreaking experience.
The loss of a 19-year-old student is especially devastating. At an age when many young people are beginning to pursue their ambitions, build friendships, and look ahead to the future, Hanlon’s life was tragically cut short.
The shooting also left another young student fighting for their life, adding to the heartbreak surrounding the incident.
Luca Hanlon was just 19 years old. His death represents a profound loss for those who knew and loved him, as well as for the university community affected by this tragedy.
Behind every young life lost is a family, a circle of friends, and a future filled with possibilities that will never have the chance to unfold. His passing is a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary night can change lives forever.
As the Boulder community reflects on the tragedy, thoughts remain with Hanlon’s loved ones and the injured student as they face an incredibly difficult time.
Our deepest condolences go out to Luca Hanlon’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking shooting. We also wish the injured student strength and hope for recovery.