LYNN — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning behind Lynn English High School.
The homicide victim was identified as Brian Gomez, 20, of Salem, said Carrie Kimball, director of communications for the Essex District Attorney’s office.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:50 a.m. Lynn Police responded to a report of shots fired in the area behind the school, located at 50 Goodridge St.
Gomez was taken to Salem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from apparent gunshot wounds, Kimball said.
The Essex District Attorney’s office and the Lynn Police Department are continuing the investigation. No arrests have been made, said Kimball.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said that, to his knowledge, it was a normal day at Lynn English High School on Monday. The school staff was prepared to provide counseling services to students should the need arise.
“Philosophically, we also believe students find comfort in the routine of a normal school day,” said Tutwiler.
The shooting incident was not addressed by the school administration on Monday, students said, and some teachers and students didn’t know it had happened.
“We waited for an assembly,” said Dia C., a junior, who did not want to provide a last name. “A lot of people felt nervous today. You don’t want people to feel unsafe in the school.”
“I wish they canceled school or informed us,” said Kirst K., also a junior, who had learned about the shooting after school from her friend.
Amanda M., who was picking up her daughter from school and once went to Lynn English herself, shared similar thoughts.
“Could they have closed the school down for a day or two?” she said.
The incident made her a little nervous, she said, but at least it had happened when the school was closed.
Joilma Veloz, of Lynn, whose children go to Lynn English, said she found the shooting shocking and nerve-wracking even though it doesn’t have to do much with the school itself.
“It is kind of scary,” she said.
Carolina Silva, a junior, who transferred from Lynn Classical High School at the beginning of the school year, said she didn’t expect something like that to happen and felt awful.
“That is the reason we need gun control,” said Silva. “It is ridiculous how people think that (a) gun is a toy. It can take someone’s life.”
