2 Students killed in Aztec H.S. Shooting *Updated*

Shooter is also reported dead. No reported injuries.

12/12/17 Update:

Interview with Aztec Schools Superintendent Kirk Carpenter:

Statement Released by Aztec Municipal Schools

Parents and Guardians of Aztec High School Students,
As a school and district, we want to send out a sincere thank you to each family, business member and the entire community of Aztec for the outpouring of support during this very difficult time. As a school family we have leaned on each other and your support gives us the strength to persevere.
The purpose of this correspondence is to give you an idea of the schedule for students and families to reenter AHS. 
We want to respect and honor our students who perished in this tragedy by providing time for students and staff to mourn and attend services. God Bless both of these students and their families. 
Another consideration we must make is that our students need a sense of normalcy. One way to achieve this is by reentering their school and continuing with their normal activities. We recognize that this is not a “one size fits all” approach. Every individual student and family will have processed this event in their own unique way. Each one’s needs will be individual. We respect and understand that. Rest assured that counseling and support services will remain available for staff and students, for as long as there is a need. It is for this reason that we are trying to make sure that we allow families the opportunity to also be a part of this reintegration plan. 
Yet another thing we must consider is the construction progress in the buildings which were affected. We want to provide our students with the best possible learning environment that will help promote healing. 
Given these and many other considerations, following is the schedule for reentry to AHS. 
Thursday, December 14, 2017
• 1:00pm – 3:00pm Aztec Strong meeting. Students and families are invited to come to school and reconnect with teachers and staff. 
Friday, December 15, 2017
• 1:00pm – 3:00pm Aztec Strong meeting. Students and families are invited to come to school and reconnect with teachers and staff. 
Monday, December 18, 2017
• Students report at 8:00am.
• All student assembly in the gym
• Regular school day with shortened periods and early release
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
• Students will follow their regular class schedule
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
• Students will follow their regular class schedule

We want to focus on healing and renewal for students as we bring the semester to a close. Aztec High School has requested and received a waiver for state required end of course exams. Teachers will provide students with the opportunity to complete outstanding work and all other assignments in order to bring the semester to a close.

Thank you, 
Kirk M. Carpenter
Superintendent

12/11/17 Update: 

Interview with San Juan County Undersheriff Shane Ferrari

12/8/17 12pm Update

Authorities identified the suspect in Thursday's fatal shooting at Aztec High School.  William Atchison, 21, apparently died at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Authorities say they found a flash drive on Atchison's body with disturbing notes that seem to indicate the attack was planned out in advance.

Also revealed Friday, Atchison was the subject of an FBI investigation in March 2016 after making comments in an online gaming forum about weapons and mass shootings.  FBI officials say they launched an investigation of Atchison at that time, but ended it after determining that no crime had been committed.

12/7/17 9:45pm Update:

The San Juan County Sheriff's office has released the names of the two victims from the shooting at Aztec High School this morning. Casey Jordan and Francisco "Paco" Fernandez were killed Thursday.

12/7/17

New Mexico State Police will be taking over the investigation of a shooting Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Aztec High School.

Confirmed reports indicate two students were killed and the shooter is also reported to be deceased.

The initial report was made around 8:05 am, Thursday, December 7, 2017.  Law enforcement agencies from throughout San Juan County responded.  Officers methodically began sweeping the buildings at Aztec High School campus, removing staff and students to a safe location.

Worried parents were told to report to the Aztec Police Department.  There, Aztec Police Chief Mike Heal gave a briefing on what was known so far.

Neighboring school districts (Bloomfield, Farmington & Central Consolidated) all went into precautionary lockdowns out of an abundance of caution.  No incidents have been reported at any other school.  Those lockdowns had all been lifted as of 11am. 

Reunification of parents and Aztec High School students took place at McGee Park.