The assistant principal of a California middle school died by apparent suicide on school grounds, theNew York Post reports.
Officers with the local Police Department were called to Kraemer Middle School after Moises Plascencia fatally shot himself on campus before students and staff had arrived to school.
“The incident took place in a private staff area and fellow staff members and students were not present nor was the occurrence witnessed by anyone,” Principal Michael Young said in a statement on the school’s website. “Words will never be able to express our true sorrow regarding this loss. While we may never make sense of nor understand why this occurred, please know how deeply Mr. Plascencia cared for your students, their education, and all of Kraemer Middle School.”
When officers arrived, they found Plascencia with a gun in a bathroom.
“As the superintendent, I am struggling to find adequate words to convey the shock and heartbreak we are all feeling right now,” Superintendent Jim Elsasser said in a statement, per the Post. “Yet I know that we will find a way to come together as a community, care for one another, and get through this trauma together.” He also called Plascencia a “father, husband, brother, and friend.”
Students went home after the incident, with classes continuing on Tuesday. Students, staff, and families will be able to speak to counselors as they deal with the impact of Plascencia’s death.
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