Students at Bowie High School in Arlington returned to campus Friday for the first time since Wednesday's shooting to retrieve their belongings. Wednesday afternoon, police say a 17-year-old student shot and killed an 18-year-old student outside the school just before dismissal.
The school went into lockdown for a couple of hours, then students were taken to the district's athletic center to be picked up by parents.
Friday morning, students were given time to pick up books and other items they left behind.
"He wants to come get his homework so he can do it at home," one mom said as she waited across the street from the school. "He just wants to get his homework, so when he comes back, he's ready to get to it."
She said her son and his friends have stayed quiet the second half of the week, and she can see they are still struggling with the shooting.
"It's anxiety. You don't know what's going to happen," she said. "You can still see the expressions on their face that it's deeper than just another day."
She said she has anxiety, too, adding she worries about his safety but students also need a chance to get back to routine and spend time with their friends.
Arlington ISD had counselors available for students and staff at Bowie High School Friday morning, and the district said counselors will be at the school all next week as well. Classes will resume on Monday.
The accused shooter, Julian Howard, has been charged with murder. Arlington police said he also had a THC cartridge, so he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, as well.
Arlington police said investigators are still confirming what led to the shooting, how the two knew each other, and how Howard may have acquired a gun.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube