Crime
Annunciation Catholic Church School Shooting Victims Identified as Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski
MINNEAPOLIS — The families of two young children killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School have spoken publicly for the first time, identifying the victims as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.
Both families released deeply moving statements on Thursday afternoon, asking for privacy as they grieve and urging the community to remember their children for the lives they lived rather than the tragic way they were taken.
Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, delivered the family’s remarks, remembering his son as a bright, energetic boy with a love for sports, fishing, cooking, and time spent with family and friends.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us,” Merkel said. “Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.”
He went on to acknowledge the other victims, the swift actions of children and adults inside the church, and the support of first responders. He urged the public to show empathy as his family and community attempt to make sense of the violence.
“Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life,” he said. “Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you’ll always be with us.”
Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, issued a joint statement describing their daughter as a vibrant and compassionate child whose kindness left a lasting mark on everyone she met.
“We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting,” the statement read. “Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.”
The family emphasized the profound loss felt not only by them, but also by Harper’s younger sister, who adored her and is now navigating grief beyond her years.
“As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain,” the statement continued. “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”
The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, while requesting space to grieve and to support Harper’s sister privately.
Authorities confirmed that in addition to Fletcher and Harper, 18 people were wounded in the attack, including 15 children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three adults in their 80s.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that all of the children are expected to survive, though several remain in critical condition.
At Hennepin Healthcare, CEO Thomas Klemond described one child’s condition as “touch and go” on Thursday morning, underscoring the gravity of the injuries suffered.
The shooting has drawn responses from across Minnesota, the nation, and the world. Vigils have been held throughout the Twin Cities metro, and a moment of silence was observed during Wednesday night’s Minnesota Twins game in Toronto.
Both President Trump and Governor Tim Walz have ordered flags in Minnesota and across the country to be flown at half-staff through the end of the month in honor of the victims.
Community groups, faith leaders, and advocacy organizations continue to mobilize support for the families and survivors, with calls for both healing and meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.