Crime
15-year-old John Staats killed in Little Rock shooting
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The parents of 15-year-old John Staats, a freshman at Catholic High School for Boys, have released a heartfelt statement following his tragic death in a Little Rock shooting.
School officials also expressed their condolences and detailed the support being offered to grieving students.
According to the Little Rock Police Department, Staats was found fatally shot inside a vehicle in the 8000 block of Stanton Road on Tuesday.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding a suspect in the case.
John’s parents, Shauna and Ray Staats, described their son as a bright and kindhearted young man with a passion for sports, music, and faith.
“John was a very good and sweet boy. He was very smart, fun, and liked to make people laugh. He was a good student and had a passion for football and sports. John played the violin with the Arkansas Symphony Youth Ensemble for years. He also played piano and was part of the Little Rock Dolphin swim team.
John believed in God. He was baptized in July 2019 at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ. He was gifted with natural and deep thoughts on religion. John is resting in heaven, united with his dear grandfather, and will be deeply missed by his family, neighbors, friends, and classmates.”
Catholic High School Head of School Steve Straessle also released a statement, emphasizing John’s positive impact on the school community and the support available to students during this difficult time.
“John was a freshman at Catholic High. He was a good kid, a good student, an athlete, and a musician. Yesterday, the school held a prayer service attended by the entire student body. The students’ reverence spoke to the respect for the moment and care for John and his family. Catholic High’s counselors have been available and are actively identifying those students most in need. In tragedy, the boys find solace in one another and in their faith. We are helping families navigate this troubling time with their sons.”
As the investigation into Staats’ death continues, the Little Rock community is mourning the loss of a promising young life. Police have not released any suspect information at this time.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.