STEM Suspect Sentenced to Life in Prison

The Highlands STEM shooting took place on May 7 of 2019. Now, the two suspects are currently facing their convictions for the planned attack and death of student Kendrick Castillo.

Devon Erickson and Alec McKinney are the two suspects of the incident. 

McKinney pleaded guilty in February of this year. His charges include conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit arson, burglary, and criminal mischief, among various others. He also pleaded guilty to the assault of two students who were mistaken and shot by the school’s security guard as the culprit.

The security guard, Shamson Sundara, managed to detain one of the shooters, but later fired their gun at a plainclothes deputy, which resulted in two students getting hit with non-life-threatening injuries. Sundara’s contract with the school did not allow him to carry a weapon on the school campus. For this incident, he was given community service.

Because of McKinney being underaged, the minimum sentence is life in prison with the possibility of parole on July 24 of this year, but he is being tried as an adult.

The trial included various victim impact statements from students and staff at the school, as well as the mother of McKinney, and McKinney himself also gave a statement.

Kendrick Castillo’s parents finished off the victim impact statement set for the prosecution. John Castillo recounted the last day he saw his son alive. Addressing McKinney, he stated, “You took something from me that can never be replaced. As a father, my only purpose in life was to provide for my family. …  My life ended on May 7. The reason I’m here today is because of his mother. And because Kendrick wouldn’t want me to give up. We’re not victims; we’re survivors.”

McKinney also gave a statement stating his remorse for his action: “I don’t want a lighter sentence, just want to take this opportunity to finally speak for myself and apologize for what I have done, even though at this point, I should not be forgiven.”

Erickson is set to have court this September after pleading not guilty, stating that McKinney coerced him into the event.